Cyprus, through cooperation, bilateral and trilateral agreements, contributes together with neighbouring countries to the creation of a network of security, peace, stability and cooperation, Defence Minister, Charalambos Petrides, said on Sunday.
Moreover, he noted that Ankara`s aggression daily jeopardizes the stability and security of the wider Eastern Mediterranean region and undermines the interests of other countries in the region.
Delivering a speech at a memorial service for the fallen soldiers of 286 infantry battalion during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the Minister said that tοday more than ever before the sacrifice of our heroes calls us to consider our own duty to our homeland and we must be united.
He noted that it is obvious that Turkey, through its actions in the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone, in Karpasia peninsula and in the fenced off town of Famagusta (Varosha) is trying to create a fait accompli and to promote the final division of our island.
The Defence Minister said that in the face of Ankara`s illegal actions and unacceptable positions, we strongly declare that we will continue to fight for a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem, based on the agreed framework. He also noted that our faith and will to return to our occupied homeland strengthen our efforts for a solution and for the termination of Turkey`s illegal actions.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Numerous rounds of talks under the UN aegis to reunite the island under a federal roof failed to yield results.
Source: Cyprus News Agency