Christodoulides’ speech in Parliament: “Reunification is the vow that unites Cyprus and Greece”

Relations betwixt Greece and Cyprus are “at the champion constituent they person ever been,” said Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides successful his code to the Greek Parliament, during a play successful which Nicosia holds the presidency of the Council of the EU.

He made peculiar notation to the frigates and combatant jets sent by Athens to Cyprus pursuing the drone onslaught connected the British basal successful Akrotiri, stressing that “thanks to the effect of the Greek government, it was the precursor to an unprecedented question of solidarity successful practice,” which was aboriginal followed by different European countries.

Thanking “his person Kyriakos,” the Cypriot president said that beyond strengthening security, Greece’s effect represented a “moral restoration of a humanities pending issue” associated with the operation “Cyprus is acold away.” He besides utilized the incidental to reason successful favour of EU strategical autonomy, calling it “a sine qua non” for a Europe that is “more autonomous, autarkic and strong.”

Christodoulides referred to bilateral relations, saying the strategical practice mechanics established successful 2023 is simply a “permanent governance mechanics with continuity, accountability, and results,” covering a wide thematic scope beyond nationalist issues, including acquisition and health. He described Greece arsenic “the astir accordant and selfless ally” and acknowledged its “strong support” for Cyprus’s EU accession successful 2004, which helium called “the astir important diplomatic accomplishment since the constitution of the Republic of Cyprus.”

On the Cyprus issue

On the Cyprus issue, helium utilized beardown connection against Turkey, describing the 1974 penetration arsenic “one of the top post-war crimes” and a “continuing crime” lasting 52 years. He drew a nonstop comparison, saying: “What was done successful Ukraine, was done successful Cyprus fractional a period ago,” adding that Ankara continues to inhabit “37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.”

He besides paid tribute to Greek officers, soldiers, and civilians who “stood steadfast and sacrificed what was astir precious” to forestall Turkey’s partition plans.

Christodoulides categorically rejected immoderate imaginable of partition, stating: “We volition ne'er judge discussing the legitimisation of illegality, oregon the consolidation of territorial dismemberment.” He referred to a “promising initiative” for the resumption of talks and said Cyprus is moving to make conditions for negotiations toward a broad settlement, arguing that EU instrumentality tin enactment arsenic a catalyst and safeguard for a viable solution.

“Reunification is the vow that unites Cyprus and Greece”

“The reunification of Cyprus is the vow that unites Cyprus and Greece,” helium said, paying tribute to those who died during the 1974 Turkish invasion.

In closing, the Cypriot president delivered a connection of unity and optimism, saying: “The liberation and reunification of Cyprus is the vow that unites each of us, successful Cyprus and Greece. We basal firmly connected their legacy, we look to the aboriginal with optimism,” and ended with verses by writer Giorgos Seferis: “A small longer and we shall spot the almond trees blossom…”