The President of the Hellenic Republic Constantine An. Tassoulas, following an invitation from the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, attended the celebration of the Armed Forces Day in Nicosia.
After the service at the Cathedral of Apostle Barnabas, Mr. Tassoulas met with Archbishop Georgios of Nova Justiniana and All Cyprus at the Archdiocese, where they discussed issues of mutual interest. The Archbishop of Cyprus Georgios, presented to the President of the Republic the social work of the Church of Cyprus, its contribution to the national cause, as well as its significant donations to the Greek Armed Forces.
Thereafter, Mr. Tassoulas proceeded to the “Lieutenant General Stavrianakos” military camp in Malounda and attended the ceremony for the awarding of moral rewards to the war flag of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus.
Following is Mr. Tassoulas’ speech, the first paragraph of which is also a statement on the Armed Forces Day:
“Your Excellency, President of the Republic of Cyprus, dear Nikos,
Dear officers and soldiers of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is with feelings of emotion and pride that I am here today in Cyprus, on the day of the celebration of the Armed Forces. On this day, we honor the struggles and sacrifices of the Hellenic Armed Forces for the defense of freedom, national sovereignty and the territorial integrity of our homeland. The Greek nation stands with admiration and gratitude before the men and women who, with democratic spirit, self-sacrifice and a sense of responsibility, guarantee daily not only the security and prosperity of the Greek people, but also the honor of the whole of Hellenism, wherever it may be.
On this symbolic day, the Republic of Cyprus bestows the highest honor upon the Hellenic Force in Cyprus, awarding the Medals of the “Defender of Freedom” and the ” Commander of the Distinguished Medal of Bravery” to its glorious, blood-stained flag. Mr. President, on behalf of the Greek people, I thank you wholeheartedly for your initiative, you personally and the Government, regarding the promotion of the historical role and moral recognition of the contribution of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus in defending the freedom and independence of Cypriot Hellenism.
Since August 16, 1960, when it first set foot on the soil of Cyprus, under the Zurich-London Agreements, and amidst the sincere warm expressions of love from the Greek Cypriots, until today, the Hellenic Force in Cyprus has been a staunch defender of international legitimacy, security and the very existence of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as proof of Greece’s concrete support for the Greek Cypriot community.
This was proven, after all, in the most striking way in July and August of 1974, when the men of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus wrote pages of unparalleled bravery, fighting against superior forces, with the goal that was achieved, the defense of the still free part of Nicosia.
According, in fact, to the confidential War Diary of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus, which was kept during the invasion by Major Theodosis Kallioras, then Director of the 3rd Office of the Force, the camp of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus was hit by the first bombs dropped by operation Attila on July 20, 1974, in Cyprus, resulting in personnel and facility losses.
And later, on August 14-16, the battle of the camp of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus, where honor stood tall against the illegal invader and occupier, will remain forever engraved in our collective memory, reminding us that freedom is never taken for granted, but is earned with blood and sweat. The sacrifice of the heroes, the fallen and the missing of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus leaves a sacred legacy to all of us.
Today, therefore, we are not simply honoring the heroism, self-denial and the sacrifice of the men of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus. We renew a supreme oath of honor: to stand worthy of those who fell, those who are still missing. To keep alive the torch of unity of the forces of Hellenism and our unwavering dedication to the just struggle for freedom.
Greece and Cyprus, united by ancient fraternal ties, continue to fight together for a just and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue. A solution that will be based on the decisions of the United Nations and the European acquis. A solution that will end the occupation and reunite Cyprus into a peaceful, democratic, and European state, for the benefit of all its legal residents. All without exception.
Greece remains firmly committed to this effort. With consistency and determination, not with words but with actions.
And as long as the occupation continues to wound this land, the presence of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus has a deeper, moral symbolism. It is a living symbol that Greece does not forget, does not turn its gaze away. That Greece is here! That our bonds are not bent by difficulties, but are steeled by them.
Cyprus’ course within the EU over the more than two decades has demonstrated the determination, creativity and dynamism of the Cypriot people. And this is the development that renews hope that a solution to the Cyprus issue is possible.
Allow me to emphasize one more thing: Fifty-one years after the Turkish invasion, the fate of more than 750 Greeks and Cypriots, including 26 members of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus, remains unknown, while many of them are certain to have been victims of serious violations of international humanitarian law. The pain for their families, though silent, remains undiminished. We will never cease to raise the issue of the Missing Persons and to support the relevant efforts, in every way possible, until the truth is revealed and the fate of every last one of them is ascertained.
Dear President of the Republic of Cyprus,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Warriors of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus who are with us today,
Today’s ceremony is a moment of self-awareness. It reminds us who we are, what unites us and which path we ought to follow. Let us therefore hold high the flag of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus — not only as a military banner, but also as a beacon of values: freedom, democracy and peace. For this flag does not belong only to those who held it on the battlefield. This flag, which today receives the highest honor of the Republic of Cyprus, belongs to every Greek and every Cypriot who believes that justice can defeat unlawful actions, that unity can overcome division, that the future is not occupation but peace and cooperation.
Honor and glory to the heroes of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus!
Thank you.”
After laying a wreath at the Monument to the Fallen and Missing Heroes of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus, Mr. Tassoulas was given a tour at the Military Museum of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus.
The President of the Hellenic Republic is accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ioannis Loverdos.
