In his speech at the solemn ceremony for the national anniversary of April 1, 1955-59, which was held at the Holy Church of St. Lazaros in Larnaca, Mr. Pelecanos said that the Republic of Cyprus, founded by the Zurich-London Treaty, which was signed at the end of the liberation struggle, "is our main support in the difficult times that our country has gone through since then until today, with the greatest tragedy being the invasion of 1974 and the burden of the Turkish occupation".
He added that "the government has never stopped working methodically seeking the resumption of dialogue and the continuation of negotiations in order to achieve a workable and viable solution to our national problem, ensuring our historical continuity and perspective. A solution that is based on European principles and values and that safeguards the great good of peace".
In his speech, the Government Spokesman also referred to the war in Ukraine and said that unfortunately, every day we are witnessing a horrible war on European soil, which is unfolding in front of our screens, leaving behind unimaginable destruction, human losses, refugees and of course untold pain, fear, anxiety and insecurity.
From the very first moment, Cyprus, as a country that has experienced and continues to experience such sad events, reacted with empathy, condemning the Russian invasion, which clearly violates international law, expressing its solidarity and support to the Ukrainian people," he said.
The entire European Union, to which we belong as an equal member, he continued, "is making efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement that will end the bloodshed and pave the way for negotiations. The use of the diplomatic route through constructive dialogue and an end to all aggressive actions is the only feasible solution to restore stability and security."
This, he noted. This is recognized by the entire political culture of humanity and especially by Europe, which is united in its efforts to preserve peace in the face of new challenges and manifestations of barbarism."
In this context, he noted, "our own reactions are also being activated, aimed primarily at defending our state sovereignty. In addition, we consider particularly important the development by the Government of strategic alliances in various sectors, which highlight the enhanced geopolitical role that Cyprus can play and the fact that it can be a factor of stability in the wider region."
In his speech, the Government Spokesman also said that "in a spirit of resistance to Turkey's conquest plans against Cyprus and Hellenism in general, we remain committed to our principles and values. We continue to seek the prevalence of human rights in our country and the cultivation of conditions of peaceful coexistence. It is the duty of all of us not to let oblivion, ignorance and untruth win."
Referring to the national anniversary of April 1, 1955, marking 67 years since the beginning of the liberation struggle, Marios Pelekanos said that "today we commemorate our heroic dead and all those who fought to throw off the English yoke and the freedom of our island. The Cypriot Hellenism, after many years of oppression, stood up and with unity, unity and courage resisted the ruthless conqueror."
For Larnaca, Mr. Pelecanos said that the city of Zeno of Kitea, recreating its glorious past, nurtured its own heroic children, men and women, young and pure, who fought and sacrificed for the freedom of the homeland, among them Michalakis Paridis, Andreas Sourouklis, Petrakis Kyprianou and the youngest hero of the struggle of the seven-year-old student Dimitrakis Dimitriadis, whose memory was recently restored by the State, as appropriate.
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