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- Ελληνικά
"Never fail those who die for a great cause", wrote Lord Byron during the Greek epic of 1821, characteristically capturing the sacred purpose of the Greek uprising.
It is with feelings of honour and pride that we celebrate today the national and religious commemoration of the heroes of the national anniversaries of 25 March 1821 and 1 April 1955.
It is with feelings of honour and pride that we celebrate today the national and religious commemoration of the heroes of the national anniversaries of 25 March 1821 and 1 April 1955. Two revolutions of Hellenism that were destined to mark indelibly the course of the modern history of Greece and Cyprus.
The beginning of the Greek Revolution of 1821 was but the outbreak of the flame that for four centuries burned the souls of the Greeks. Claiming what their Greek heritage demanded of them, the Greeks raised the banner of revolution, moving for "Freedom or Death" and with great bravery threw themselves into an unequal battle, claiming the supreme good of freedom.
Having nothing but their mental stature and desire for democracy, they dared to stand against the Ottoman supremacy, spreading emotion throughout the world, inspiring other oppressed peoples to claim what belonged to them. The adversity that the Greeks endured for centuries not only did not break them, but strengthened their national identity and the authenticity of a people, writing glorious pages indelibly in the book of modern Greek history.
March 25, 1821 remains the most decisive historical event in the modern history of the Greek nation. It reflects the unquenchable desire of a people that was fully aware of the high idea of gaining freedom and fought with unparalleled heroism, courage and self-denial to conquer it.
It was this greatness of the Greek nation's self-sacrifice, its unity and desire for liberation, that, decades later, guided the Cypriot Greeks in their own uprising to throw off the British yoke. The revolutionary spirit of the warriors of Marathon, Thermopylae and Salamis inspired the young people of Cyprus, who without hesitation shouted their presence in that historic call of April 1, 1955.
History repeats itself. Fate is common. With an unyielding spirit and soul, the Cypriot people, with only scarce means at their disposal, stood up to the British colonialists. The torture and deprivation endured by the Cypriots throughout the years poured like a river into every inch of the island.
Afxentiou, Evagoras, Patatsos, Karaolis, Mavrommatis, Matsis, Mouskos and the rest of the lads of the liberation struggle of EOKA 1955-1959, brought up with the values of Hellenism, like other Papaflesses, Karaiskakis, Kolokotronis, Androutsos, Botsaris, Diakos, envisioned freedom and rushed into battle, sacrificing their own lives selflessly for the high ideals of their country and democracy. The struggle of EOKA was recorded in the most glorious pages of the history of Cypriot Hellenism, building the foundations for the creation of the Republic of Cyprus.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, as we commemorate the national anniversaries that have marked the history of Hellenism, we also address our own message that our sole and non-negotiable goal is the achievement of a viable and workable solution to the Cyprus problem.
Today, as we commemorate the national anniversaries that have marked the history of Hellenism, we also address our own message that our sole and non-negotiable goal is the achievement of a viable and workable solution to the Cyprus problem. Fifty years later, our homeland continues to be under Turkish occupation, reminding us of our responsibility to continue the struggle for the liberation and reunification of our land and our people.
The current state of affairs, which the Turkish side is methodically seeking to perpetuate, is unacceptable and cannot be accepted by the Greek Cypriot side. The fait accompli that Turkey is attempting to establish on our island with its intransigent stance will not undermine our just efforts to resume meaningful talks aimed at resolving the Cyprus problem on the basis of the agreed framework and the principles and values of the European Union and the United Nations.
Our priority is focused on reaching a solution that ensures an end to the ongoing occupation and the liberation of our homeland from foreign troops and anachronistic guarantees. A solution that ensures the restoration of human rights and basic freedoms for all Cypriots. A dignified, workable and viable solution that will reunite the people and allow us to build together in peace, justice, development and prosperity. A solution that recognizes the importance and value of our Cyprus as a pillar of stability and security in the region. With concrete and targeted initiatives, we seek to lead to a resumption of talks soon in order to reach a just and viable settlement of the Cyprus issue. These persistent efforts and the political will of President Christodoulides have led to the appointment of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General and the practical support of the European and international community. We are well aware of the intransigence of the Turkish side. We are under no illusions. At the same time, however, we know our own unwavering position for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. We expect that in the immediate future we will have indications whether our goal will succeed, so that through dialogue we can hand over to the new generation a prosperous homeland free from occupation.
This, after all, is our national obligation to those who heroically fought in defence of the supreme ideal of freedom, defying the size of the enemy. This will be the true vindication of those who, with selflessness, put their country above their own lives.
Honor and glory to the immortal heroes of Hellenism!
(MKY)
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