The President of the Parliament called for mobilization, unity and solidarity

Forty-five years after the death of Makarios, mobilization, national solidarity and unity are needed for the liberation and reunification of our homeland based on the resolutions of the UN Security Council, International Law and European principles and values, noted the President of the Parliament Annitas Dimitriou.

In reference to the order of the day of the extraordinary Plenary which met on Tuesday, which was read out by the Speaker of the Parliament Zacharias Koulias, Mrs. Dimitriou spoke about the first President of the Republic of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III, on the occasion of the annual memorial service for his death .

Mrs. Dimitriou characterized Makarios as an emblematic and timeless personality, who with absolute dedication and awareness of his high duties served Cyprus, honoring both the ethnoarchy and politics.

"Makarios left an indelible mark on the modern history of Cyprus fighting with vigor and determination for what he considered self-evident and fair for the survival of Cypriot Hellenism," he said.

Firm in his principles and beliefs, but also flexible where required, he added, Archbishop Makarios III was called upon to make important decisions in critical political dilemmas.

"He was a pioneer in organizing the union referendum in 1950 and the political leader of the EOKA national liberation struggle, which led to the signing of the Zurich-London agreements in February 1959 and the establishment of an independent state a year later. As the head of the Church with a rich missionary work, but also as the first President of the then newly established Cypriot state, he emerged as a prominent figure with worldwide radiation and recognition," he said.

However, he continued, the course of the Republic of Cyprus was not smooth, as Turkey with its expansionist ambitions incited the confrontation between the two communities, culminating in the Turkish uprising of 63-64 and ten years later the invasion under the pretext of treachery coup against Archbishop Makarios.

The betrayal and the partition of Cyprus with all the accompanying tragic consequences, he added, had irreparably shaken his health. "On August 3, 1977, his heart finally betrayed him, where his beloved homeland was deeply rooted," he said.

The Plenary of the Parliament observed a one-minute silence.

Source: KYPE