On Saturday, 20 July 2019, within the framework of his official visit to Cyprus, the Minister of National Defence Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, accompanied by the Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General (HAF) Christos Christodoulou, visited the Imprisoned Graves and the Tomb of Makedonitissa, where he laid a wreath.

The Minister of National Defence then went to the Church of Panaghia Faneromeni, where he attended a memorial service for the fallen during the Turkish invasion.

Finally, the Minister of National Defence went to the Headquarters of the Hellenic Contingent in Cyprus in Malounta where, after his official reception, he laid a wreath at the Memorial of the Hellenic Contingent in Cyprus, was given a tour of its museum, and addressed the personnel.

The statement made by the Minister of National Defence to the journalists:

“Defence Minister of the Republic Cyprus, my friend Savvas Angelides,

Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff,

Chief of Cypriot National Guard General Staff,

Commander,

Officers, NCOs, and enlisted soldiers of the Hellenic Contingent in Cyprus,

I took office as Minister of National Defence ten days ago. This is my first visit outside Greece. It had to be Cyprus and I’m glad it’s Cyprus. But, at the same time, it is my first visit to a Hellenic Armed Forces Unit. It had to be the Hellenic Contingent in Cyprus and I’m glad it’s the Hellenic Contingent in Cyprus.

It is an honour for me, an honour and a pleasure to be here today for a pilgrimage, so to speak; because this visit, beyond the useful meetings with officials of the Cypriot Government and first and foremost my friend, the Defence Minister, is something bigger. I came also to pay my respects in these lands where, as I said yesterday, soldiers like you from another era, members of the Cypriot National Guard, Greeks, paid a huge price in blood.

We do not forget that the 20th of July 1974 is the most tragic moment in the modern history of Cyprus and Hellenism in general. On this day, 45 years ago, Turkey illegally invaded the island with land and air forces and occupied territory which it still occupies to this day, in violation of the United Nations’ resolutions.

So we honour all those who fought against the invaders. We honour the dead, the wounded, and the heroes who fought to keep Cyprus free, as well as the civilians who were killed during that period.

In particular, we honour the missing of Cypriot Hellenism; this is not just a matter of historical nature, if you will, it is also a humanitarian matter that must be highlighted, justice needs to be done to these people. Justice must also be done to their families for their struggles for the fallen.

I am very moved that we have this table for the missing among us today.

The Hellenic Contingent in Cyprus, ladies and gentlemen, is measured by the heroes who fell for God and country, serving the ideals of freedom and national independence.

The same ideals you Officers and enlisted soldiers continue to protect and serve here.

The Hellenic Contingent in Cyprus is responsible for the protection of the island. Your presence here states in the most essential and imperative way the brotherly relations between Greece and Cyprus.

Together with the Cypriot National Guard, you are the guardians of the Republic of Cyprus and protectors of International Law on the island.

You should know that this part of Hellenism is very sensitive and critical to us and, as a Government, we will contribute with all our powers to the tackling of Turkey’s increased provocativeness and the direct violation of International Law in the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus, the EEZ of a European Union member state.

We act in concert with the Republic of Cyprus and with support from the European Union – we confirmed this yesterday and we also discussed with the Defence Minister how to continue to deal with this increased provocativeness – as well as from other countries which. after coordinated efforts, led to the imposition of sanctions to Turkey.

I remind you that this is the first time that sanctions are imposed on a country in accession negotiations with the European Union. Despite its eastward shift lately, Turkey continues to be in accession negotiations with the European Union and it is not small to have sanctions imposed on it for its overall aggressive and provocative behaviour against European Union member states.

So Greece maintains a firm stance and has built its national defence and security strategy around abidance by international law.

We respect the rules of International Law, as I said when I took office, we do not provoke, but we also don’t like being provoked by anyone.

So, I’d like to assure you that we are determined to protect our national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national independence, and national interests of both our country, as well as of Cypriot Hellenism.

This is the most important commitment and your presence here supports these positions.

Greece and Cyprus have emerged as internationally acknowledged pillars of peace and stability in the region.

Everyone now acknowledges that Greece, instead of the source of troubles and instability it used to be, is now a security provider. It has reached the other extreme. This is proven by our many cooperations with almost all countries in the East Mediterranean.

Maintaining peace in this region is the main strategic goal for the security and prosperity of Hellenism. For this reason, we seek to consolidate multilateral relations in the region, centred around Greece and Cyprus, within the framework of joint military exercises and training.

On the other hand, Turkey becomes increasingly isolated by supporting “justice for the one”, thus slowly but surely distancing itself from its traditional allies.

Officers, NCOs, and enlisted soldiers of the Hellenic Contingent in Cyprus,

Men and women of the Armed Forces,

Look, I see the Flag on the wall. I saw it earlier flying high, proud, and I thought – and I’m urging you to think too – about all the blood, all the human lives sacrificed for this holy symbol.

And, as you look at the Flag, think also about everything we have suffered as a Nation, everything we have endured as a Nation and got over as a Nation. And as you look at the Flag again, rest assured that, in the end, this symbol has the power to uplift our strength and our soul which will make us suffer, endure, and get over even more as a Nation, if need be. Don’t forget that. This is my message, what I felt deep in my soul during this visit.

I urge you to continue your work with the same eagerness, fully aware of your duty to your country. And I’d like you to know that the political leadership of the Ministry of National Defence and the new Government in general is proud of you for being here to carry out your patriotic duty.

Thank you for everything you do, I wholeheartedly wish strength and good health to you and your families and I assure you that we will stand beside you as you carry out your mission.

We will do everything we can to help you stay combat ready and strong.

Thank you”.