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It is with great emotion that I address this evening, on behalf of the President of the Republic, the event co-organised by the Embassy of Greece in Cyprus and the Association of Unaccompanied Hospitalised Children in Greece 1974-1979, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and the ongoing occupation of our country. I congratulate and warmly thank the organizers, since this moving event contributes to the realization of the State's goal of preserving historical memory and awakening the consciousness of our people.
That sad summer of 1974 is the most tragic aspect of the history of our long-suffering island and its events constitute the hardest ordeal suffered by our people. A test that was also experienced by the brotherly Greek people, who once again stood by our side, sealing the strong ties between us. The initiative to transfer, during those difficult days, dozens of Cypriot children to Greece, so that they could continue their education in various educational institutions in a safe and caring environment, highlighted in the most obvious way these indissoluble ties.
From the very first moment, the Greek people warmly embraced this initiative. Those children, fleeing as refugees from Cyprus, felt to the greatest extent the solidarity, generosity and love of the Greek people when they found themselves in the various cities of Greece. The boarding schools, institutions and foster families where they were hosted ensured their accommodation, food and education. Most importantly, it was there that they were able to fade painful memories and create new intense, comforting memories and unbreakable life relationships that remain strong and steadfast over time.
I will not go further into those events, since tonight's event, dedicated to the hospitality of the unaccompanied minors who found themselves in Greece in 1974, will highlight in the best way both the tragic consequences of the violent displacement and the affection of the Greek State and Church towards our Cyprus and the excess of love of ordinary Greeks and Greek women towards our people. What I would like to emphasize, however, is the very important messages that we can draw from this historical event, making them our guide in fulfilling our duty towards our homeland and its society. Through our education, we must pass on to the new generation the values of brotherhood of nations, love for our fellow human beings and contribution to the homeland that the Greek people demonstrated during that difficult period, as well as the values of gratitude and respect that the unaccompanied children of that time demonstrate as adults to those who opened wide the doors of their homes and their souls. By adopting these values in practice, our children, the citizens of tomorrow, will be able to fight for justice and peace in the world. Equally, we must highlight the value of the unanimity shown at that tragic moment by Cypriot and metropolitan Hellenism. Unanimity, essential for our national and physical survival. Especially at the present time, when our national issue remains unresolved and the challenges are constantly increasing, we are called upon to walk in unity.
I repeat the words of the President of the Association that we opened wide the doors of our schools because these experiential experiences offer much more than a book, a text or a picture to our children. Mrs Kerkidou's book is already in our schools.
We are therefore called upon to continue the struggle to achieve a just, workable and sustainable solution. A solution that will end the ongoing Turkish occupation and reunite our country. As the President of the Republic himself has stated, what we seek is to restore human rights in our country, which all legal residents of our country are deprived of, giving them the right to live again in conditions of security, peace and prosperity. We want to hand over to the new generation a homeland free of occupation armies, anachronistic guarantees and invasive rights of third countries, and we will continue to strive for this goal. Because we owe this to those who experienced the tragic events of the invasion, to those who lived, grew up and died in the refugee camp, to those who are still waiting for their return.
For our part, as the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, we continue to vigorously cultivate our goal of "Knowing, not forgetting, fighting and claiming" as our debt to the new generation, the future of this country.
For our part, as the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, we continue to cultivate our goal of "Knowing, not forgetting, fighting and claiming" as our debt to the new generation, the future of this country. Today's and so many other events contribute decisively in this direction.
The gratitude felt by every unaccompanied child reflects the gratitude of every Cypriot citizen and the entire State to the Greek people. And tonight's event, as its title suggests, is another opportunity to say "thank you".
At the same time, the effort of the Association of Unaccompanied Hospitalized Children in Greece 1974-1979 to highlight and record the relevant events will add pages to the history of our country, shedding light on known and unknown aspects.
The Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth will continue to stand by the Association, supporting any such noble initiative that contributes to our common goal of preserving our historical memory and consciousness.
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Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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