In the presence of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tassoulas, Cyprus honored the Greek Power of Cyprus, awarding the Medals of “Defender of Liberty” and “Brigadier of Excellence” to her battle flag.
THE Konstantinos Tasoulaswho is in Nicosia at the invitation of the president of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulidis, also attended the doxology, at the Cathedral of Apostle Barnabas, and then met with the Archbishop of Cyprus, George. The Archbishop of Cyprus George presented to the President of the Republic the social work of the Church of Cyprus, its contribution to the national cause as well as its significant donations to the Greek Armed Forces.
On the occasion of the ceremony at the “Lieutenant General Stavrianakos” camp in Malounda, as well as Armed Forces Day, the President of the Republic stated:
Your Excellency President of the Republic of Cyprus, dear Nikos,
Dear officers and soldiers of the Hellenic Force of Cyprus,
ladies and gentlemen,
It is with feelings of emotion and pride that I am in Cyprus today, the day of the Armed Forces holiday. On this day, we honor the struggles and sacrifices of the Greek Armed Forces in defense of the freedom, national sovereignty and territorial integrity of our homeland. The Greek Nation stands with admiration and gratitude before the men and women who, with a democratic attitude, self-sacrifice and sense of responsibility, guarantee every day, not only the safety and well-being of the Greek people, but also the honor of the entire Hellenism, everywhere.
On this symbolic day, the Republic of Cyprus bestows the highest honor on the Hellenic Power of Cyprus, awarding the “Defender of Freedom” and “Brigadier of Excellence Andreas” Medals to its glorious, blood-stained flag. Mr. President, on behalf of the Greek people, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your initiative, you and the Government, regarding the highlighting of the historical role and moral recognition of the ELDYK’s contribution to the defense of the freedom and independence of Cypriot Hellenism.
From August 16, 1960, when he first set foot on the territory of Megalonos, based on the Zurich-London Agreements, and in the midst of unmistakably warm manifestations of love by the Greeks of Cyprus, until today, ELDYK is a steadfast defender of the international legitimacy, security and status of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as proof of Greece’s practical support for Cypriot Hellenism.
This was proven, after all, in the most shocking way in July and August 1974, when the men of ELDYK wrote pages of incomparable bravery, fighting against superior forces, with the goal achieved, the defense of the still free part of Nicosia.
In fact, according to the secret War Diary of the ELDYK, which was kept during the invasion by Major Theodosis Kallioras, then Director of the 3rd Office of the Force, the ELDYK camp was hit by the first bombs dropped by Attila on July 20, 1974 in Cyprus, with losses in personnel and facilities her.
And later, on August 14 to 16, the battle of the ELDYK camp, where honor stood up against the illegal invader and conqueror, will be forever etched in our collective memory, to remind us that freedom is never given, but earned with blood and sweat. The sacrifice of the heroes, fallen and missing of ELDYK, leaves a sacred legacy to all of us.
Today, therefore, we do not just honor the heroism, self-sacrifice and sacrifice of the men of ELDYK. We renew a supreme oath of honor: to stand worthy of those who have fallen, those who are still missing. To keep alive the flame of the unity of the forces of Hellenism and our unwavering commitment to the just struggle for freedom.
Greece and Cyprus, united by age-old fraternal ties, continue to fight together for a just and sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem. A solution that will be based on the decisions of the United Nations Organization and the European acquis. A solution that will end the occupation and reunite Cyprus in a peaceful, democratic and European state, for the benefit of all its legal residents. Everyone without exception.
Greece remains firmly committed to this effort. With consistency and determination, not with words but with actions.
And as long as the occupation still hurts this land, the presence of ELDYK has a deeper, moral symbolism. It is the living symbol that Greece does not forget, does not look away. That Greece is here! That our bonds are not bent by difficulties, but steeled by them.
The progress of Cyprus within the EU in these more than two decades shows the determination, creativity and dynamism of the Cypriot people. And this is the development that renews the hope that the solution of the Cyprus issue is possible.
Let me emphasize one more thing: Fifty-one years after the Turkish invasion, the fate of more than 750 Greeks and Cypriots, including 26 ELDYK officials, is still unknown, while many of them are certain to have been victims of serious violations of international humanitarian law. The pain for their families, though mute, remains undiminished. We will never stop raising the issue of the Missing and supporting related efforts, in any way possible, until the truth is revealed, until the fate of every last one of them is ascertained.
Dear President of the Republic of Cyprus,
ladies and gentlemen,
ELDYK warriors who are with us today,
Today’s ceremony is a moment of self-awareness. It reminds us who we are, what unites us and which path we must follow. So let’s keep the ELDYK flag high — not only as a military banner, but also as a beacon of values: freedom, democracy and peace. Because this flag does not belong only to those who kept it on the battlefield. This flag which today receives the highest honor of the Republic of Cyprus belongs to every Greek and every Cypriot who believes that justice can defeat arbitrariness, that unity can overcome division, that the future is not occupation but peace and cooperation.
Honor and glory to the heroes of ELDYK!
Thank you