Dendias at anniversary of Cyprus’ Independence: Greece will always stand by Cyprus

Dendias at anniversary of Cyprus’ Independence: Greece will always stand by Cyprus

National Defence Minister Nikos Dendias sent a message of Greece’s continued support for the Republic of Cyprus while visiting Nicosia on Thursday, stressing that “Greece is and will be here” and “will always stand by Cyprus”.**

On the occasion of the parade marking the anniversary of Cyprus’ independence, Dendias expressed his pleasure and honour at being in Nicosia together with the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Houpis, noting that the parade showcased “an important historical reality, a historic achievement of Hellenism”.

He noted that the Republic of Cyprus was “an independent, democratic, sovereign European state” that was marking 64 years of existence, but also “an example of success, an example of prosperity”.

At the same time, he stressed that it should not be forgotten that the Republic of Cyprus “has suffered the consequences of invasion and occupation for more than half a century”, pointing out that “no one has the right to forget this”.

The minister also referred to deterrence, noting that “freedom, sovereignty, security and democracy require defence capability”. Greece, he said, was creating this deterrence capability through the “Agenda 2030”, with “absolute adherence to international law” and the Law of the Sea.

He placed particular emphasis on Greece’s symbolic presence at the parade, referring to the Greek fighter aircraft that flew over the parade area, as well as the presence of the Hellenic Contingent in Cyprus (ELDYK). “Greece, therefore, is and will be here. Greece is and will remain close by,” he stressed.

Finally, he referred to the warm welcome he had received from the Greek Cypriot community and wished the Republic of Cyprus “a heartfelt happy anniversary”.

In the morning, Dendias, accompanied by General Houpis, attended the memorial service at the Imprisoned Graves, where he laid a wreath, together with President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, in the presence of President of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus Annita Demetriou, Cyprus Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas and Chief of the National Guard Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou.

Dendias then went to the Presidential Palace, where he was received by Christodoulides. During the meeting, Dendias assured him that Greece, with the new capabilities being developed by the Greek Armed Forces, would “always stand by” Cyprus as a ‘brother’ state and a part of the common European family.

He also conveyed the congratulations and warmest greetings of the Greek government, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the Greek people, who, as he stressed, “have always, throughout the years, stood by the Greek Cypriot community.”

The parade was also attended by the United Kingdom’s Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, representatives of the armed forces of Egypt, France and the United States, ambassadors, defence attachés from foreign countries and other dignitaries.

Taking part in the parade on behalf of the Greek Armed Forces were ELDYK marching units and military vehicles, including Hummers, LEONIDAS armoured personnel carriers and M106s. A platoon of Cypriot cadets from the Higher Military Educational Institutions also took part, as did a platoon of Cypriot cadets from the Higher Military Non-Commissioned Officers’ Academies. A pair of Greek F-16 fighter aircraft also flew over the parade area.

As part of the celebrations, the frigate Nikiforos Fokas was berthed at the port of Larnaca and was open to the public for visits.

On Wednesday, the minister met in Nicosia with Michalis Tziortas, president of the Union of Displaced Communities of Famagusta and acting chairman of the Committee of Occupied Communities; Andreas Athanasiou, president of the Union of Communities of Kyrenia District; and Dimitris Chelimintis, a member of the Committee of Occupied Communities. Earlier, he had met with Archbishop Georgios of New Justiniana and All Cyprus.

source ANA-MPA**