On October 1, on Wednesday, the speaker of the Cyprus Parliament Annita Demetriu emphasized the need to strengthen the country's defense capabilities and the development of strategic unions, calling this the issue of “national survival” for Greek kipriota.
Speaking after the military parade in Nicosia dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetriu said that "the connection of Cyprus with Greece is the cornerstone of stability, which cannot be shaken."
She welcomed the presence of the chairman of the Greece Parliament Nikitas Jamanis, noting that his participation "bears a clear and significant political signal." Demetriu recalled that the independence of Cyprus was not presented, but was conquered by “struggle and victims”, and thanked all the participants in the parade, emphasizing that their performance “fills the Cypriots of national pride”.
In turn, Nikitas, Skamanis, emphasized that Greece and Cyprus should continue the joint struggle for the general national ideal.
“Thousands of Greeks-kipriots gave their lives for the independence of Cyprus,” he said. “Having honored their memory, we must remain more unified than ever, in the struggle for reunification, the withdrawal of the occupation forces, the return of the last missing and liberation of five Greeks-kipriots, which are still held in the north under far-fetched prepositions.”
Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas also confirmed that the government will continue to strengthen the country's defense capacity and modernize the armed forces.
“The Ministry of Defense will make every effort to increase operational readiness and restraining the potential of the republic,” Palmas said.
He noted that October 1 is not only a milestone in modern history, but also "Day of memory and thoughts."
The Minister emphasized the key role of the National Guard as a guarantor of sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Cyprus, thanked its personnel, as well as the Greek Deputy Minister of Defense of Tanasis Davakis for participating in events, calling it a “symbol of strong and indestructible connections between Cyprus and Greece”.
“Happy Independence Day of all Cypriots and the Republic of Cyprus,” Palmas concluded.
Source: Cyprus-Mail.com
