Cyprus marked the 65th anniversary of its independence on Wednesday, October 1, with a military parade in Nicosia, attended by President Nikos Christodoulides, who urged that the Republic strengthen its power “through actions, not words,” in pursuit of reunification.
The day’s commemorations began at the “imprisoned graves,” where 13 Eoka fighters were executed, before continuing with tributes at the presidential palace to Archbishop Makarios, the Republic’s first president, and at the democracy and resistance monument to those who fought in the intercommunal conflicts of 1963, 1967 and 1974.
“Today we honour all those who defended and continue to defend the Republic of Cyprus, which, despite a devastating blow in its infancy, has survived and evolved into a member state of the European Union,” Christodoulides said.
“Our daily duty is to further strengthen the Republic and to achieve our ultimate goal: the liberation and reunification of our homeland.”
He stressed the need for both internal and external strength, calling for “a strong deterrent force, a robust economy, the rule of law, and determination to tackle corruption,” as well as an outward-looking foreign policy that positions Cyprus as part of regional and global solutions.
The president praised the National Guard, noting recent defence acquisitions and upcoming programmes supported by EU instruments and strategic partnerships, including with the United States.
He said the participation of Greek fighter jets in the parade sent “a clear message of the common struggle of Cyprus and Greece … but also that both countries, as EU member states and regional actors, are pillars of security and stability.”
Political, religious and military leaders attended the event, with Greece represented by Deputy Defence Minister Thanasis Davakis and parliamentary president Nikitas Kaklamanis.
