The anniversary of October 28 serves as a reminder of what Hellenism can achieve when united, House President and Democratic Rally (DISY) leader Annita Demetriou said on Wednesday, calling for Greece and Cyprus to stand together on all fronts.
Speaking after the student parade in Nicosia marking the anniversary, Demetriou said Greece’s resistance to the Axis powers during the Second World War had offered lessons to the world at a time when Europe appeared to be bowing to overwhelming military force.
“When Europe was on its knees before the overwhelming might of the Axis powers and everything seemed lost, the small and defiant Greece stood tall, offering lessons to all humanity,” she said in her commemorative message.
Demetriou added that the anniversary carried a renewed significance at a time when Europe was once again facing conflict and extremist movements were fuelling hatred and fanaticism.
“Today, with Europe burning again and extremism stirring up hatred and fanaticism, our duty is non-negotiable: to raise a shield to protect democratic principles and values, and, where necessary, to go even further,” she said.
“We owe it to our heroes and to all the children who took part in today’s parade.”
She stressed that the national survival of Hellenism required Greece and Cyprus to act in full alignment on all fronts, enabling them to defend their national interests effectively.
Demetriou also praised the students who took part in the parade, congratulating them for making the public proud and reminding people of the struggles that still lay ahead.
“Many congratulations to our students,” she said, before concluding: “Happy anniversary, Greece, and happy anniversary to Hellenism everywhere.”
Demetriou calls for unity within DISY
Turning to internal party affairs, Demetriou said unity must prevail in practice, stressing that this depended on the conduct and actions of everyone involved.
She called on all members to reflect on their own responsibilities, adding that internal disagreements were inevitable but had to be addressed without extremism.
Asked how she felt following the submission of candidacies within DISY, Demetriou said she was proud of the party’s democratic process and insisted it must proceed flawlessly.
She said members must be allowed to make their choices and that their verdict must be fully respected.
Internal issues would continue to arise, she acknowledged, but they should be dealt with through a genuine call for unity rather than through extreme reactions.
“As DISY president, this is my priority, and this is what I will do,” she said.
Party unity under threat, president warns
Asked about Haris Georgiades’ resignation letter, Demetriou referred to a statement she had published the previous day, saying a further effort would be made to address the situation.
She reiterated that the outcome of the internal process must be respected, adding that DISY members would vote, express their views and make their decision.
Asked whether the reactions surrounding the process threatened party unity, Demetriou replied that they certainly did.
“That is why I say it also depends on our behaviour and our actions,” she said.
“Everyone must put DISY first and foremost, and, above DISY, our Cyprus.”
Demetriou concluded by returning to the central message of the October 28 anniversary, saying the occasion should prompt everyone to reflect on their responsibilities and the importance of unity.
Source: CNA
