Nicosia: President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides announced on Friday that there have been developments in the investigation of the murders of Tasos Isaac and Solomos Solomou. These men were killed during demonstrations against the Turkish occupation of Cyprus near Deryneia in August 1996. The Government is actively pursuing those responsible for their deaths, he emphasized.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Christodoulides made these remarks at the Presidential Palace while welcoming a group of motorcyclists from the Isaac-Solomou Memorial Initiative. The group, along with the families of the deceased, gathered to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the tragic events. Addressing the motorcyclists, the President stated that the incident remains an unresolved issue for the Government.
"These were murders, nothing less. We must call things by their name. We all witnessed what happened. It is neither an opinion nor an impression-it was two acts of murder," he declared. The President mentioned that while there have been developments, it is not suitable to discuss them publicly, though he is willing to brief the families privately.
President Christodoulides reassured the families that the Government is committed to addressing the responsibilities of those involved. Directly addressing the families, he affirmed the Government's obligation towards them and the Cypriot people, vowing not to relent until justice is served.
The President praised the efforts of the motorcyclists, who had embarked on a commemorative journey through Greece, marking the 30 years since the deaths of Isaac and Solomou. Their journey, he noted, was reminiscent of an educational trip to Greece made by EOKA hero Evagoras Pallikarides and his classmates, including the President's own father. He commended the Initiative for its impactful itinerary and its role in raising awareness of the Cyprus issue.
Travelling under the motto "Guided by Memory, Driven by Freedom," the bikers covered extensive distances, both by land and sea, to highlight the ongoing struggle for Cyprus. The President remarked that their efforts, achieved over ten days, would normally require years of diplomatic or governmental work.
In tribute to Isaac and Solomou, President Christodoulides emphasized that the greatest honor to their memory is the continued fight for the rights they sought-freedom of movement and the end of occupation. He also announced his intention to attend the annual memorial events on 8 August.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the August 1996 incidents, where Tasos Isaac was beaten and stoned to death on 11 August, and Solomos Solomou was shot dead by Turkish forces on 14 August as he attempted to remove the Turkish occupation flag in Deryneia village.