Nicosia: President Nikos Christodoulides announced Cyprus’ plans to recognize the significant contributions of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus (ELDYK), specifically honoring 105 soldiers who have been missing or confirmed dead since the 1974 conflict.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the president made this announcement during a dinner honoring Greece’s President Konstantinos Tasoulas, who is on his first official visit abroad since taking office. These initiatives aim to acknowledge the mission’s importance and the sacrifices made by the Greek soldiers, with 58 of them still listed as missing.
ELDYK, established in 1959, is a permanent Greek military unit stationed in Cyprus, supporting the Cypriot National Guard. President Christodoulides highlighted the robust bilateral relations between Cyprus and Greece, expressing his intent to further strengthen these ties for regional and European collaboration.
During his visit, President Tasoulas addressed the ongoing Turkish occupation of Cyprus, emphasizing the n
eed for a just resolution to the Cyprus problem. He reiterated that Greece and Cyprus remain committed to UN-led negotiations to achieve a mutually acceptable solution, free from occupying troops and external intervention.
He further noted that despite the unresolved Cyprus issue, the Republic of Cyprus continues to thrive as a stable and prosperous nation. Tasoulas expressed hope for progress in peace talks, highlighting their importance for the Cypriot people’s welfare.
Cyprus has faced division since Turkey’s 1974 invasion, with numerous UN-mediated peace efforts failing due to Turkish resistance. An informal meeting on Cyprus is planned for July, following earlier discussions in Geneva. The UN Secretary-General recently appointed María Angela Holguín Cuéllar as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus to facilitate further dialogue on the issue.