"We have a duty, through determination and unity, to continue and intensify the struggle for the liberation and reunification of our homeland, with all the peaceful means at our disposal," the Minister of Education said in her message for the anniversary of October 1, 1960. of Sports and Youth, Athena Michailidou, underlining the importance of the conquest of the freedom and right of self-determination of Cyprus, which was sealed with the signing of the Zurich-London agreements, on August 16, 1960.
Mrs. Michailidou points out in her message that the declaration of Cyprus as an independent and sovereign state marked "the most important development in its modern history". He adds, of course, that the expectations of peaceful coexistence among the residents of Cyprus after independence and the significant prospects for development and progress were tarnished and the bi-communal riots, civil division and the treacherous coup ultimately allowed Turkey's invasion of Cyprus.
"Fifty years after the Turkish invasion and the continued illegal occupation of our territories, we turn our attention to the Liberation Struggle of EOKA, which created the conditions for freedom, self-determination and the creation of the Republic of Cyprus", says the Minister. "We pay tribute to all fighters for freedom, independence and territorial integrity of our country, expressing deep gratitude for their courage, fighting spirit and patriotism," he adds.
The aim of the Ministry, he concludes, is to offer the new generation the necessary guarantees to face the multiple challenges of our time. "At the same time, taking advantage of the privilege of our country's participation as an equal member in the European Union and other international organizations, we want you to develop into integrated and democratic citizens and to help promote the values of peace, justice, democracy, solidarity and of mutual respect", says Mrs. Michailidou, concluding that "this is the future that a free and reunited Cyprus deserves, this future we are sure that all of you, our children, young men and women, will claim, together with the /your teachers".
Source: KYPE
