It was with feelings of emotion that I accepted the invitation of the Union of Displaced Communities of Famagusta to address the first, official screening of the documentary "Memories of Occupied Land, a journey to Messaoria and Karpasia".
A commendable initiative which is a continuation of the other rich and noble activity developed by the President and members of the Association, remaining faithful to its mission of preserving the memory of our occupied lands and continuing the struggle to return to our ancestral homes.
The documentary projecting, through a journey to the occupied villages of Mesaoria and Karpasia, their rich historical, cultural and social heritage, their special characteristics and traditions, as well as their natural beauty, evokes nostalgic memories and recollections, filling everyone with emotion.
Memories and recollections of experiences imprinted on their souls by their elders. Memories that defined and defined them, which they made sure to pass on to us, the younger ones, through the stories and the pain of refugee life, passing on to us the desire to return.
Messaoria, Karpasia and the rest of our occupied regions, waiting patiently for the return of their inhabitants, are symbols
of hope, expectation and perseverance for the continuation of the struggle until vindication.
A vindication that we owe to our compatriots who, at whatever call of our homeland, were at the forefront of the struggles for its freedom. Our compatriots who sacrificed themselves for our country. To those who lived, grew up and died in exile. To those who still await their return.
A debt that guides us on the path of solidarity and unity in order to achieve the efforts we are making for the resolution of the Cyprus issue and the reunification of our homeland.
In this direction, we choose the path of peaceful dialogue, having as an irrevocable goal the achievement of a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem that will bring peace and stability to Cyprus and the region.
This is precisely the political will and will that the President of the Republic is signalling in every direction at every international forum, stressing the strong will of our side to return to the negotiating table and work towards this direction.
What is clear in any case is that any solution must first and foremost be based on UN resolutions and European principles, as well as on the basis of what has been agreed to date.
A solution that will lead to a sovereign and independent state, far from foreign dependencies and occupying armies.
A state whose operating provisions will make it viable, with full guarantee of the human and political rights of all its people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike.
Contrary to our strong will, the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot sides persist in the same intransigence they have always shown, making excessive claims and engaging in a series of provocative actions, which do nothing to create the necessary climate for the opening of negotiations.
We have all witnessed what has been happening recently in the enclosed area of Famagusta, especially after the recent renewed provocative and illegal actions by Turkey and its enablers.
We have made and are making the necessary representations both to the European Union and to the international community and the United Nations, as these actions once again contravene the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
What they all see, what they all condemn should, at last, lead them to intervene catalytically in order to prevent any new fait accompli that Turkey wishes to impose.
Confidence-building measures that the international community has warmly welcomed, but both Turkey and the leadership of the illegal regime have rejected unquestioningly, sticking to the unacceptable position of a two-state solution.
Therefore, it is clear that in order to achieve any progress, it is necessary for the Turkish side to refrain from any unilateral actions, tensions or threats.
Accordingly, and as a matter of priority in the context of any negotiation to resolve the Cyprus issue, we expect the Turkish side to comply with its legal and moral obligation under international law to cooperate in the effective examination of the fate of the missing persons.
The reunification of our homeland has been and remains a top priority. Exerting the utmost of our strength, we will continue to struggle until we can walk freely in every inch of the land that gave birth to us and raised us, the land that we, the younger ones, have set as our goal to return.
In this struggle, and despite any difficulties, it is in this struggle that the authorities, associations and unions of our occupied towns and communities stand at the forefront.
What I want to assure you and convey to you on behalf of the President of the Republic is, as so far, the State's unreserved support in every way for the work you are doing, as well as its commitment to meeting the demands and suggestions you raise.
In conclusion, I would like once again to congratulate the Union of Displaced Communities of Famagusta, and those who worked for the implementation and completion of this important initiative, which will be used by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth.
I hope that soon you will be able to continue your work freely in your ancestral homes.
Thank you.
(PM/EC)
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Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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