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- Ελληνικά
Another July finds us honoring heroes in our communities, without the vindication of the struggles of our people. It has already been 49 years since that black summer of 1974, when the double crime of the treasonous coup d'état and the brutal Turkish invasion left our country bloodied and divided ever since. Almost half a century has passed and the wounds are still open.
The consequences of the Turkish invasion were traumatic for Cyprus and every Sunday in our towns, communities and villages we honour and commemorate our heroes. Soldiers whose service was marked by the Turkish invasion and men who ran as reservists to the call of their country. They gave their lives for the freedom of our Cyprus and their sacrifice is a beacon for us and for future generations. We honour, at the same time, heroes who gave their lives in events before 1974, since our long-suffering island at no point in its long history has been able to detach itself from the need to defend its land from the invasions of the conquerors.
It is with feelings of heavy emotion that we honour today in this annual national memorial the fallen of the community of Kalopanayiotis, whose contribution is our obligation to highlight and pay due tribute.
Nikos Papaioannou was born in Kalopanayiotis on 15 March 1940.
Nikos Papaioannou was born in Kalopanayiotis on 15 March 1940. He was the fourth child of the family of Christodoulos and Maria Papaioannou. He was called up for service in the National Guard in March 1966, at the age of 26. He was stationed at an outpost on the peaks of the Pentadaktylus at Eagle's Nest Hill. On September 27, six months after his enlistment he was on guard duty, carrying his rifle and radio. It was the fateful day. During a thunderstorm he died from a lightning strike.
The tragic events of 1974 did not leave the community of Kalopanagiotis unaffected, which paid a heavy price with the loss of three children's lives.
Nikos Konstantinou was born in Kalopanagiotis on January 6, 1942.
Nikos Konstantinou was born in Kalopanagiotis on January 6, 1942. He was the youngest child of the family of Kostas Demetriou and Evdokia Kasparis. He enlisted as a reservist in the 241st Infantry Battalion. On 22 July 1974, moving towards the landing site, they were confronted by Turkish tanks. It was the last time Nikos Konstantinou was seen alive. In July 2006 his remains were found in a mass grave in an olive grove south of the village of Kazafani. His funeral was held on 13 October 2007 and he is buried in the Tomb of Makedonitissa.
Savvas Simeou Hadjisimeou was born in Kalopanayoti in 1947. He was the son of Simeos Hatzisimiou and Antigone Mahlazaridou. He married Androulla Aristodimou from Aglatzia and they had three children, Aris, Noni and Martha. He also enlisted as a reservist in the third company of the 211 Infantry Battalion. He was killed in an outpost on 22 July 1974, defending East Nicosia with other soldiers. His remains were found in a mass grave in 2017. His funeral was held on 4 August 2017 in Aglatzia and his burial in the local cemetery.
Georgios Mavromatis was born in Kalopanagiotis on 14 August 1945. His parents were Andreas and Andriani Mavromati. He married Eleni Kaisari from Kalo Horio Lefka and they had a daughter, Stella. With the occurrence of the Turkish Invasion, George enlisted as a reservist in the 256 Infantry Battalion. On 27 July his battalion was called upon to man positions at Karavas and Lapithos. There he lost his life in an unequal battle with the troops of the Turkish invader. He was also found in a mass grave in Lapithos and is buried in the Tomb of Makedonitissa.
Ladies and gentlemen,
For almost fifty years it has not been possible to resolve the Cyprus problem in a way that does justice to the heroes of our homeland, our refugees and leads to the liberation of the occupation and the withdrawal of the Turkish troops.
The resumption of a new effort on the Cyprus problem has been set as a priority by the government of Nicos Christodoulides, who through specific initiatives has called for the appointment of envoys, both by the UN Secretary General and the European Union.
The Greek Cypriot side has repeatedly expressed its intention to sit at the negotiating table, despite the constant provocative statements by the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot sides about a two-state solution, which can never be accepted by our side.
Despite the objective difficulties stemming from the attitude of the Turkish side, we nevertheless have an obligation to continue our efforts to find a solution that will safeguard human rights, the European acquis and the end of the unacceptable and anachronistic system of guarantees. The continuation of the struggle until the final vindication is a commitment and obligation to all those who sacrificed for our homeland.
Thank you very much.
(NΓ)
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