Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides paid tribute on Monday, July 21, to 16 Greek soldiers who died during the 1974 Turkish invasion, as their remains were formally repatriated during a ceremony at Ayia Sophia church in Strovolos.
The soldiers, members of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus (ELDYK), were killed during the conflict that followed the invasion. Their remains, now fully identified, will be buried either at the Tymvou military cemetery in Makedonitissa or returned to Greece for burial in their hometowns.
President Christodoulides described the event as one of “great pride and emotion,” honouring the young conscripts – most in their twenties – who came to Cyprus to serve and defend the island.
“Their names have already been written in history and in the long list of those who fell heroically in our national struggles,” he said.
He also highlighted the enduring ties between Greece and Cyprus, calling the repatriation a reflection of their shared “blood, language, faith, and culture.”
Recalling the sacrifices made by Greek and Greek Cypriot forces alike, he praised the bravery of ELDYK soldiers who stood their ground despite being outnumbered during the invasion.
Addressing the families of the fallen, Christodoulides acknowledged their pain but affirmed their right to feel proud.
“Cyprus and Hellenism everywhere honour them as fallen heroes… The Republic of Cyprus is grateful for their ultimate sacrifice,” he said.
Source: Cyprus Mail
