The official visit paid by the Minister of National Defence, Dimitris Avramopoulos to Cyprus has come to an end. Mr. Avramopoulos represented Greece in the celebrations held today in Nicosia for the 53rd anniversary of Cyprus’ declaration of independence.
The Minister of National Defence laid a wreath at the “Imprisoned Graves”, attended the ceremony for the suspension of the coat of arms on the façade of the Presidential Palace, and later the military parade.
Shortly before departing for Athens, Mr. Avramopoulos had consecutive meetings with leaders of the Cypriot parties.
More specifically, the Minister of National Defence met the vice-chairman of Democratic Rally (DISY) Lefteris Christoforou, the General Secretary of the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) Andros Kyprianou, the chairman of the Democratic Party (DIKO) Marios Garoyian, the representatives of the Movement for Social Democracy (EDEK) Giorgos Varnavas and Marinos Zissopoulos, the representative of the Ecological and Environmental Movement Giorgos Perdikis and the Chairman of the Citizens’ Alliance Giorgos Lillikas.
On the conclusion of his meetings with the representatives of Cypriot parties Mr. Avramopoulos made the following statement:
D. AVRAMOPOULOS: On the occasion of my presence in Cyprus, representing the Greek government to the celebrations for the 53rd anniversary of Cyprus’ independence, I considered it would be beneficial to meet with the leadership of all political parties of Cyprus, so as to exchange views concerning new information that have been formed, and to reiterate Greece’s unreserved support to Cyprus, relating to our most fundamental and important national issue – which is to resolve the Cyprus issue – but also as to we can face together successfully these times’ greatest challenge, the financial crisis.
I would like to say once more that Cyprus is not alone in this difficult circumstance. Greece is at its side. And although Greece has been hit by the financial crisis, it remains powerful with one of the most powerful defence systems in Europe which is always ready to serve international legitimacy, International Law and our common effort to form an environment of security and cooperation in the region.
The developments demonstrated the significant geopolitical role Cyprus can play. This is the case for Greece too. We always support every effort which aims at establishing stability and peace in the region.
Currently, since our region – and I am referring to the Eastern Mediterranean – experiences a deep crisis too with unpredictable consequences on international security and stability, we all realize how important the role of Cyprus is and we must take it as a key pillar in our relations with Europe and the rest of the world.
Cyprus must however regain its unity and integrity to be able to fulfill this important mission. I hope that next year we will celebrate Cyprus’ Independence Day together again and that the concept of independence will have a deeper meaning and will cover the whole of Cyprus creating an environment of safe living for Greek- and Turk-Cypriots.
Cyprus must be a model of harmonious living and cooperation, of understanding between the two communities and this must be our common goal, always respecting the principles of the International Law and definitely the resolutions of the United Nations Organisation.
JOURNALIST: Did you honour the Chief of the National Guard?
D. AVRAMOPOULOS: Of course. The Chief of the National Guard, fully aware of his national mission, has won the love and respect of the entire Cyprus. In his days, the National Guard has been further enhanced and today we had the opportunity to admire the high level characterizing the National Guard of Cyprus and share the feelings of warmth that followed the parade we watched all together. He is an accomplished Officer whom our country honoured by assigning him with this mission here and, of course, I was given the opportunity earlier to publicly congratulate and praise him on the way he exercises his duties and his mission, crowned with success.
