The 25th of March 1821 marks the heroic uprising through struggles and sacrifices to throw off the Turkish yoke. A significant day and particularly important for all Orthodox Christians. This double, great feast of Hellenism and Christianity defines the importance of faith, struggle and above all unity in the face of great goals, especially when the stakes are freedom, justice and national sovereignty. It revealed great fighters and enlightened scholars, true heroes who dedicated their souls and their lives to the sacred struggle of the Greeks and have been harmoniously integrated into the pantheon of history. At the same time, it was a turning point for the change of the entire geopolitical map of the European continent.
For Cyprus, the Revolution of 1821 is not just another page in a history book. Hundreds of Cypriot Greeks were present at the side of the chieftains, while others donated their property to support the struggle. Many Cypriots had become members of the Society of Friends, while others sacrificed themselves. Among them, Archbishop Cyprian, who on 9 July 1821 was the first to be hanged in Nicosia, followed by numerous others who were sacrificed and martyred in a massacre lasting several days.
The legendary figures of the struggle, the decisive battles, the fortitude and the spiritual uplifting instilled faith and vision in the Cypriots' struggle for freedom and self-determination, writing perhaps the most intriguing pages of the history of this land.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Knowledge of history can and must be a dimension of political action, with unity in the face of the great challenges we face being the dominant element.
The effort to end the occupation and reunite our homeland is a collective goal. Only united will we be able to strengthen our negotiating position, claiming what we are entitled to and what we deserve.
This is the common goal towards which the President of the Republic, Mr. Nicos Christodoulides, has been working since his first day in office. He steadily proceeded to a meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, giving the message that the current state of affairs cannot be seen as the solution to the Cyprus problem, nor the two-state solution or anything beyond the agreed basis for a solution.
And the first official visit of the President of the Republic to Athens was not merely symbolic, but substantial, aiming to further strengthen and expand the already excellent cooperation between the two countries, taking into account the common challenges and objectives at the regional level and within the European family. The effort was transferred to Brussels where the President of the Republic stressed the importance of a more active involvement of the European Union in the Cyprus settlement process and will continue with visits to European capitals with the aim of breaking the deadlock and immediately resuming the dialogue, always within the framework of the United Nations.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have an obligation to live up to both our past and our future. To hand over to future generations a reunited homeland, without occupying troops, without foreign guarantees and without invasive rights, restoring the unity of its territory and its people. A modern European state, which will respect and guarantee the human rights and security of its citizens, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins. A state that cares and provides for all, with equality, without discrimination.
As Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, I have an obligation to offer through our services the assistance of the state to all those in need. It is not related to the National Anniversary, but here and if needed, unity as a necessary component of solidarity, and empathy as a basic parameter of understanding the problems.
We are facing many challenges, geopolitical, socio-economic and others which contribute to the increase of poverty, social exclusion, vulnerable people.
It is particularly moving that in our own battles, in our own struggles, we find allies and supporters in thousands of volunteers, people who care and generously offer help in whatever way and by whatever means they can.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Every major national anniversary becomes an occasion for a mental, often highly emotional, recollection of historical events. But admiration for all those who fought and sacrificed is not just a romantic reminiscence of the past. In the context of a realistic reading, we can clearly better understand the present in order to shape a better future. We owe it to present and future generations so that we can live in a democratic, modern, modern, European, reunified homeland.
Thank you!
(ΘΘ/ΜΧ/ΣΧ)
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