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Cyprus Marks Independence on a Divided Island

Cyprus President Demetris Christofias has stressed that the struggle for a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus problem, by political means, on the basis of UN relevant resolutions and High Level Agreements continues.
In statements he made after the military parade that took place here, to mark the 52nd anniversary of the island’s independence, Christofias also stressed Greece’s firm support to the struggle of Cyprus.
He said that he wanted, at the presence of Greek National Defence Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos, who represented the Hellenic Republic at the parade, to express his warm thanks to the Greek government, the Greek political leadership for their unwavering, everyday support in all fields and the struggle which the Republic of Cyprus is holding.
Furthermore, he conveyed a message of optimism, expressing the belief and hope that “we will overcome the financial and economic difficulties the soonest possible, we will have a Cyprus settlement to benefit both communities, to benefit primarily and solely Cypriots, so as to move forward, to create on this island a place of peace, cooperation first of all between Cypriots and between Cyprus, our European partners and our neighbours to this region.”
Christofias also noted that the independence anniversary constitutes a celebration both for Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots “since the Republic of Cyprus is a common achievement of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.”
Cyprus President congratulated the armed forces for their excellent presentation at the parade, noting that unfortunately due to the Turkish invasion and occupation the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus is wounded, and the legal government cannot exert its control at the occupied part of the island.”
Referring to the financial difficulties which Cyprus faces, he expressed hope that soon Cyprus will have its own rescue programme ready “to present it to those with which we have to discuss to move forward.”
On his part, Greek National Defence Minister Panagiotopoulos reassured that “Greece was is and will remain the power which guarantees the security and stability of Cypriot Hellenism and the Republic of Cyprus.”
He expressed certainty that “by remaining united we will be able to overcome difficulties and get back on our feet, as long as we do not stop paying the necessary attention to national security issues for Hellenism all around the world.”
Furthermore, he stressed the need “all of us to continue the struggle, to motivate the forces of international legitimacy, to activate the international community, with a view to have a united, independent, sovereign Republic of Cyprus with no occupation troops, where Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots will live and prosper together.”
President Christofias, flanked by Greek National Defence Minister Panagiotopoulos and Cyprus Defence Minister Demetris Eliades, took the salute of the parade, watched also by the island’s political, military and religious leadership as well as members of the diplomatic corps.
Infantry, artillery and naval forces, members of the Greek military contingent stationed in Cyprus in accordance with the 1960 Treaty of Establishment of the Republic, the police, the fire brigade, the forestry and the civil defence services, participated at the parade.
Present were also a military police unit, comprising mainly reservists, and a special unit of commandos, set up 1996, of well trained regular members of the armed forces. Commando units, naval forces and various branches of the Republic`s armed forces also paraded.
The Cyprus Police band led the parade, before taking its place opposite the officials to play military marches for the duration of the parade.
President Christofias and First Lady Elsi Christofia will host a reception for the public this evening at the Presidential Palace. Earlier President Christofias will receive the congratulations of the diplomatic and consular corps.
(source: famagusta-gazette)

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