Interior Minister Nikos Nouris today called it an absurdity, noting that we have reached the point of watching occupying Turkey calling on the two countries, Russia and Ukraine, to stop the war and contribute to world peace, ignoring its own invasion of Cyprus in 1974, the images of horror and atrocities left behind by "Attila" and the ongoing crime against the small homeland.
He added that Turkey assumes the role of the balancer and willing Trojan horse of one side against the other, continuing to "walk" on the path of absurdity.
An absurdity that brings Turkey not hesitating to call even the EU itself, drawing a parallel between the case of Ukraine and its own request for EU membership. This at a time when, as a candidate country and as a NATO member state, it consciously chooses not to align itself with decisions and obligations stemming from a series of agreements and commitments, he noted.
He also said that the international arena and the tragic developments with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, once again present Turkey as the artful opportunist that exploits the circumstances and finds the crack to "accommodate" its ambitious plans and benefit in multiple ways.
In his memorial speech at the memorial service of the hero Dimitrakis Papamiliades, in Agia Marina Xyliatou, Mr. Nouris stressed that the government and our people unreservedly condemn the Russian invasion and stand with all our forces on the side of the suffering Ukrainian people.
He said that while the sirens are sounding in Ukraine, Cyprus recalls the nightmare of the 1974 Turkish invasion and the "historical parallel" with what is happening today in 2022: invasion, illegal occupation and violation of fundamental principles of international law such as sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The connotation of war, refugee, loss, are concepts deeply rooted in the memory of the Cypriot people which are recalled by the tragic events in the war in Ukraine, he added.
He pointed out that Cyprus and its people, which was the first victim of foreign invasion and violation of international law on European soil since World War II in 1974, cannot but show tangible solidarity and support to the Ukrainian people and call for an immediate assurance of a ceasefire to end the tragic loss of innocent lives.
We also call for an end to the violation of sovereignty, human rights and the forced displacement of the Ukrainian people, he said.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, he said that for 48 years and we continue to seek a solution that is in full compliance with the principles and values of the EU and the UN resolutions;
A solution of a bizonal bicommunal federation that is viable and, above all, functional. One that will reunite the people and our divided homeland and free it from the unacceptable state of affairs, transforming it into a modern state that guarantees independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said.
He added that despite the President's efforts to make progress on the Cyprus problem and return to the talks, Turkey continues to escalate its provocative and aggressive behaviour.
Mr. Nouris said that Dimitrakis Papamiliades, nurtured with the ideal of love for his country, with inexhaustible mental and spiritual gifts, fell in the battles of Paphos on March 9, 1964, the day of his 33rd birthday. His participation in the battles against the Turkish mutiny of 1963-64, in the first attempt to overthrow the Republic of Cyprus, was the end of a great heroic course, which had its starting point in the national liberation struggle of 1955-59.
He said that today's memorial service is an opportunity to stand with deliberation in the face of the tragedy of the moments and to count our historical responsibilities. We are condemned by history and mandated by our ancestors, but also obliged to future generations, to continue the struggle until the final vindication, he noted.
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