The official visit of the Deputy Minister of National Defence Alkiviadis Stefanis in Cyprus was concluded today. He represented the President of the Greek Government at the celebrations for the National Anniversary of the 28th October 1940.

The Deputy Minister of National Defence attended the Doxology which took place at the Cathedral of Saint Ioannis of Nicosia, officiated by the Metropolitan Bishop of Paphos Georgios. His Excellency the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Anastasiadis, the 1st Councilor of the Embassy of Greece in Nicosia Ioannis Mallikourtis, the political, military and religious authorities of Cyprus, the Commander and a delegation of Officers from the Hellenic Force in Cyprus (ELDYK), as well as numerous individuals also attended the Doxology.

After the end of the celebrations, the Deputy Minister of National Defence addressed those present:

“Today, we honour the Epic of 1940 and the fight of the Greeks against the forces of fascism and Nazism. Let us not forget that countless Cypriot volunteers participated in the battle of Pindos, once more in the course of history, writing, along with the other Greeks, the pages of the Epic of 1940 with their blood.

Today, the lessons of that Epic are as current as ever.

First of all: Greece believes in dialogue and faces any challenge with soberness. However, nobody underestimates our readiness and capability to effectively defend our rights, whenever required.

Secondly: throughout the fights of Hellenism, the Greeks of mainland Greece and those of Cyprus fought side by side. Greece and Cyprus will continue to fight in absolute concert, to achieve the main national objective, which is the peaceful liberation and reunification of Cyprus. For the evolution of the Republic of Cyprus to a truly independent European state, devoid of guarantees and occupation troops”.

Furthermore, the Deputy Minister had a formal meeting with the 1st Councilor of the Embassy of Greece in Nicosia Ioannis Mallikourtis.