The anniversary of the EOKA struggle against British colonial rule was commemorated in Cyprus at the Tassos Papadopoulos — Eleftheria stadium by President Nikos Christodoulides on Wednesday, April 1.
EOKA, the national organisation of Cypriot fighters, fought a campaign for the end of British rule in Cyprus, and for eventual union with Greece.
Christodoulides used his address to emphasise the importance of historical awareness in efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, and he also sent a message to Turkey, Turkish Cypriots and Britain.
In his address, Christodoulides referenced the “pride, deep emotion and boundless respect” he has for those who were part of the EOKA struggle and also paid tribute to fallen and surviving “warriors.”
“Without basic equipment or military training, they stood up to the army of a powerful empire and determined the course of our country,” he said.
Christodoulides acknowledged the struggle, led politically by Archbishop Makarios III and militarily by Georgios Grivas Digenis, remains a “beacon” for today’s political efforts.
“More than seven decades on, the stake remains the same: ending the occupation, liberation and reunification of our homeland,” he said.
He added that Cyprus must become a truly sovereign state “that exercises sovereignty across its entire territory, respects the rights of all its lawful citizens — European citizens — and allows them to live, work and create in conditions of security and prosperity, as is the case for all other European citizens.”
He said educating the younger generation about EOKA will lead to a better Cyprus. “Achieving our goals requires knowledge of our true history,” he said, adding that such knowledge “does not in any way act against a possible solution.”
“This, in no way, works against efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, since the viability of any solution depends largely on respect for each side’s historical identity, not its erasure,” he said.
Christodoulides placed particular focus on the selflessness of those who took part and the need for historical knowledge as a foundation for future political efforts as key parts of the struggle.
“The clergy and the people, united, believed in a sacred goal… and led us to what we have today — the Republic of Cyprus, the most important asset we possess,” he said.
Situating his comments in today’s political climate, he said Cyprus continues its “great effort for liberation, for ending the occupation and reunifying our homeland.”
Asked if his remarks were aimed at Ankara and the Turkish Cypriot leadership — who have at times labelled Eoka a terrorist organisation — Christodoulides confirmed they were. “It is a message to our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, to Turkey, and to Great Britain,” he said.
He said that although enosis was not achieved, the movement led to the creation of the Republic of Cyprus, which he described as the island’s greatest achievement.
Christodoulides earlier had attended a doxology in Nicosia alongside Archbishop Georgios, House president Annita Demetriou, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, Labour Minister Marinos Mousiouttas and Greek ambassador Konstantinos Kollias.
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis called the anniversary “one of the most glorious chapters of our modern history” and said Eoka’s legacy should inspire ongoing efforts to end what he described as Turkish occupation. He also highlighted strong student participation at the commemoration.
Further events in Limassol were attended by Deputy Culture Minister Vasiliki Kassianidou and Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides. During a church service Archimandrite Isaac stressed that “anniversaries are not only memories; they are responsibilities.” He called for unity and commitment to freedom without fostering hatred.
Commemorations included a procession to EOKA leader Georgios Grivas Digenis’ hideout and tomb, a ceremonial flame lighting, and wreath-laying ceremonies.
The Cyprus Bar Association also highlighted lawyers’ role in defending EOKA members, calling the struggle “an expression of the fundamental right of peoples to self-determination” and describing British colonial measures as “dark pages.” It added that any Cyprus settlement must align with international and European law, safeguarding independence, territorial integrity and human rights.
Source: Cyprus Mail
