We remain committed to achieving a solution for an independent and truly sovereign state, free from any anachronistic guarantees and the presence of occupying troops. None the less, the Minister of Health Michalis Damianos said yesterday, on behalf of the President of the Republic, at the great all-Cypriot event of memory and honor to the heroes of the Republic on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the coup and the Turkish invasion, which took place yesterday at the Cultural Foundation of the Holy Kykkos Monastery in Nicosia.
The back door to our long-suffering island, said Mr. Damianos, was opened by the fascist traitorous coup of the Athens Junta and EOKA II, giving Turkey the opportunity to implement its plans.
Today, we remember and honor those who gave their lives for democracy and freedom. We remember those who fell fighting against the Turkish invasion, said the Minister adding that "half a century has passed since the Turkish invasion of our country. 50 years of occupation, 50 years of slavery, 50 years of non-negotiable struggle for final justice. For a viable and functional solution to the Cypriot issue which will truly reunite our homeland without asterisks and footnotes. For a solution that will allow our country to live free, without foreign scheming, something that it seeks throughout time. A solution of Bizonal Bicommunal Federation as described in the United Nations resolutions”.
Our side, through the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulidis, noted, "has repeatedly demonstrated its readiness and determination to return to the negotiating table. However, Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side make it difficult for the continuous and sincere efforts of the President of the Republic. The demand for sovereign equality, which in fact constitutes a two-state solution, cannot be accepted."
However, the intransigent attitude of the Turkish side will not deter us, said the Minister of Health. "Our determination to liberate our homeland remains unwavering. We will continue to use every ounce of our strength to build a Cyprus that will be a symbol of peace, stability and progress in the region", added the Minister of Health.
