President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides pledged on Sunday that he will give his utmost ‘for the reunification of our country on the basis of the agreed framework for a functional and viable settlement’ of the Cyprus problem.
Addressing a memorial service for those who sacrificed their lives during the anticolonial struggle of 1955-1959 (EOKA) held in the EOKA monument of Amiantos – Pelendri, in Limassol district Christodoulides said that “if we really wish for a solution to the Cyprus problem, for which we are striving, this will be secured not through self-denial but through knowledge and respect of our history.’
Stressing that he is focused on the national issue and the efforts to bring about a solution to the Cyprus problem, the President added ‘being before such a sacred venue, directly related to our country’s history, I will do my utmost for the liberation of our country, the reunification of our country on the basis of the agreed framework over a viable and functional solution.’
‘A solution that will end occupation and settlement in practice and not in words, will rid our country from foreign troops and foreign dependencies allowing all legitimate citizens to co-exist peacefully in an environment that would promote security, stability and progress,’ he went on to say.
The President also said we have a moral and national duty to honour and remember those who sacrificed their lives in the anticolonial struggle.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Source: Cyprus News Agency