Upgrading the country's sources of strength serves "our number one priority, which is none other than ending the occupation and reunifying our homeland", President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday. He was speaking after the military parade in Nicosia for the 66th anniversary of Cyprus's independence. Party leaders and officials across the political spectrum also spoke of pride, responsibility and the need to strengthen the country's defence.
President Christodoulides: "We are justifiably proud of our country"
The President said the Republic of Cyprus is the result of the long struggles of the Cypriot people, culminating in what he called "the purest struggle, the national liberation struggle of EOKA". That is precisely why, he said, today's celebrations began at the Imprisoned Graves, to pay tribute to the fighters whose action led to the existence of the Republic of Cyprus.
He also referred to the laying of wreaths at the statue of the first President of the Republic, Archbishop Makarios, and the memorial service that followed at the monument to those who fought for legality in 1974 against the Turkish invasion.
President Christodoulides said that, 52 years into the continuing occupation, the Republic of Cyprus has progressed, developed and been upgraded, thanks to the Cypriot people.
"Our clear goal and aim, and I am truly pleased with the results, is the continuous upgrading of the Republic of Cyprus through strengthening, upgrading and modernising all the sources of strength of our country, internal and external," he said.
On the internal factors, the President referred to a strong, competitive and resilient economy, which allows the country to deal with challenges such as the current phase of high prices and inflation. A strong economy, he added, allows investment in health, education, the welfare state and housing, in all the areas that improve citizens' daily lives by boosting disposable income.
"At international level, everyone recognises the role of the Republic of Cyprus in a region of particular geostrategic importance, and within this framework our country's standing is also being upgraded," he said.
The President said that, despite the difficulties and problems, "we will never demobilise" from the great effort for the liberation and reunification of the country. "The deterrent power of the Republic of Cyprus is constantly being strengthened and will be strengthened even further as long as the Turkish occupation continues," he said, also pointing to Cyprus's position as an EU member state in a region of particular importance.
He welcomed the presence of foreign contingents from France, the United States, Britain and Egypt, saying it is a sign of the Republic of Cyprus's partnerships and of the country's upgraded standing.
"We are proud of the National Guard. We are continuously strengthening its armament programmes. There is a very specific plan being implemented, also making use of important European Union tools. At the same time, we are investing in the naval and air infrastructure of the Republic of Cyprus, but above all, because strengthening deterrence passes first and foremost through the human resources of our National Guard, we are investing there too. Happy anniversary to the Republic of Cyprus; we are justifiably proud of our country," he said.
Annita Demetriou: "A great responsibility to protect our homeland"
House President and DISY leader Annita Demetriou said that today is a day of celebration for Cyprus, and that the feeling of pride comes with "a great responsibility to protect and safeguard our homeland", and to do everything possible for its liberation and reunification.
This responsibility, she said, means deepening strategic partnerships, always in close cooperation with Greece, and strengthening the National Guard, defence and security.
"I can say that today we truly felt proud of the military parade, and congratulations to everyone. We felt the same, of course, for our Greece, which was present in the Cypriot skies. Its support is visible and we feel it, and of course we are pleased with the presence of Greece's Minister of National Defence at our military parade," she said.
Stefanos Stefanou: "The shield of protection of our people"
AKEL Secretary-General Stefanos Stefanou said the Republic of Cyprus "is the shield of protection of our homeland and our people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots", and that it must be guarded "like the apple of our eye".
"That is why we must continue to struggle for a solution of the Cyprus problem, which will bring an end to the Turkish occupation and the reunification of our country and our people. Because this is how we will end a constant source of danger for our country and our people," he added.
He paid tribute to all those who defended Cyprus's freedom, democracy, independence and territorial integrity. "Let us hope we can have lasting peace, security and prosperity in our country," he said. "Happy anniversary to our people, happy anniversary to our Cyprus. We continue the struggle."
Nikolas Papadopoulos: "Unity can achieve miracles"
DIKO leader Nikolas Papadopoulos said that from the day it was founded, the Republic of Cyprus faced challenges to its existence and attempts to dissolve and abolish it. "Betrayals, coups, invasions, violence and destruction were destined to be the first episode of its existence," he said.
And yet, he continued, "the Cypriot people took the blows, fought, survived and continue to this day to struggle for peace, for liberation, for prosperity."
"Today we honour those who gave us this opportunity, those who fought, who defended the Republic of Cyprus, those who sacrificed themselves so that our people could survive," he said. "Above all, this day reminds us that Cypriot Hellenism, when it acts with determination and unity, can achieve miracles."
Christos Christou: "Invest continuously in security and defence"
ELAM leader Christos Christou said it is necessary to invest continuously in the country's security and defencebecause of "Turkish provocation and aggression".
He said that this year marks the anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Cyprus, adding: "we do not forget that we owe our existence to the epic of the EOKA struggle of 1955 to 1959." "We do not forget those who sacrificed themselves in 1963 and 1974 so that we could remain free," he added.
Mr Christou congratulated the Ministry of Defence, the officers and the personnel of the National Guard "for today's flawless parade".
Odysseas Michaelides: "Closer ties, especially with Greece"
Odysseas Michaelides, leader of the movement Alma – Citizens for Cyprus, said that strengthening defence and building closer relations with other countries, especially Greece, are necessary to safeguard the country's security.
"As an occupied country, and with the Cyprus problem at a critical and particularly difficult moment, strengthening defence and building closer relations, especially military ones, with other countries, and above all with Greece, are necessary actions to safeguard our country's security," he said.
He congratulated the Ministry of Defence "for the excellent parade".
Fidias Panayiotou: "We are proud to be Cypriots"
Direct Democracy leader Fidias Panayiotou said "we are proud to be Cypriots", thanking all soldiers serving their country and defending the Cypriot people. "Today we mark 66 years as the Republic of Cyprus," he said.
He thanked the President of the Republic and the Minister of Defence, saying "the parade was amazing". "An even bigger thank you to everyone who marched, and thank you to all our soldiers who serve their country and defend us, the Cypriot people," he added. Mr Panayiotou said he himself had marched in the past, "almost every year".
In a separate statement, signed by spokesperson Phoebus Doukanaris, Direct Democracy said the end of the occupation and reunification remain "the greatest challenge and the common duty of us all". The party said that tomorrow's Cyprus needs institutions that work with transparency, a state that is accountable, and a society that gives young people a future so they "choose to live, create and progress in their own country". It added that the Republic of Cyprus becomes stronger when citizens take an active part in its life.
Alekos Tryfonides: "Formations were flawless"
Former Democratic Front MP Alekos Tryfonides said that strengthening the National Guard, in both personnel and equipment, enhances its credibility and increases deterrence.
"Today we honour those who gave their lives for the independence of the Republic of Cyprus," he said. "The best memorial to them is the continuous struggle for the liberation of our homeland."
He congratulated Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, the officers, non-commissioned officers, conscripts, contract soldiers and women NCOs who marched, adding that "the formations were flawless".
