Athens: Greece and Cyprus constitute a united, unbroken, and indivisible front, and relations between the two countries cannot and will not be disrupted for any reason whatsoever, said the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, in her address to the 11th Panhellenic Conference of Reserve Officers, held on Saturday in Athens, on the reorganisation and prospects of the Greek Armed Forces’ reserve system.
According to Cyprus News Agency, reserve officers are the backbone of the army, serving as a crucial link between active-duty personnel and the wider reserve of the country’s fighters. These leaders are tasked with guiding the army when called upon to defend the rights of Hellenism, stated Demetriou. She highlighted the contributions of Grigoris Afxentiou, a reserve second lieutenant and graduate of the Reserve Infantry Officers’ School, who selflessly served in the Greek army during challenging times and later participated in the EOKA national liberation struggle in Cyprus.
Demetriou addressed the complex geopolitical climate, stating that both Cyprus and Greece face significant challenges in a region characterized by conflicts and rivalries. She criticized Turkey for its violations of international law and provocations in the Cypriot EEZ, the Buffer Zone, and the Aegean Sea, asserting that such actions disqualify Turkey from participating in the European Defence and Security architecture. Demetriou stressed that Greece and Cyprus must maintain a firm stance, as policies of double standards violate European principles and values.
She reaffirmed the role of Greece and Cyprus as pillars of security and stability, defending international law and legitimacy. The two nations, she emphasized, form a united front, and their relations will remain unbreakable. With fifty-one years since Turkey’s invasion and the ongoing occupation of part of Cyprus, Demetriou reiterated that the resolution of the Cyprus issue through a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality is essential for peace and stability.
Demetriou underscored Greece’s role as Cyprus’s strongest diplomatic ally and called for preparedness in defending the legacy of their forefathers. She highlighted the importance of a unifying national strategy devoid of populism and personal expediency, advocating for policies that propel the country forward.
The House President concluded by emphasizing the strategic importance of a qualitatively upgraded reserve force. She called for a reserve composed of trained fighters with strong ethics, military skills, and patriotism, as these attributes are crucial for national security and survival. Demetriou stressed that reserve officers are pivotal in every transformation of the army’s reserve forces.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks, including the latest in July 2017 in Crans-Montana, no resolution has been achieved.