Cyprus marks anniversary of 1974 coup (updated)

Today is a day of remembrance that must never be erased, President Nicos Anastasiades said on Thursday as he led tributes to those killed during the 1974 coup aimed at overthrowing President Makarios.

The betrayal by the Greek junta and their Cypriot collaborators brought “unspeakable catastrophe to Cyprus,” Anastasiades said. “Each of us should learn from what preceded and what followed as a result of some Greek speakers carrying out the orders of foreign forces, for the benefit of a specific country”.

Air raid sirens sounded at 8.20am on Thursday morning to mark the 47^th anniversary of the coup.

A memorial service led by Archbishop Chrysostomos took place at the Constantinos and Eleni church in Nicosia to honour the fallen, in the presence of House president Annita Demetriou, political party leaders, government officials and other dignitaries.

The eulogy was delivered by former House president Yiannakis Omirou.

“Forty-seven years later, a much-needed national unity cannot be built by erasing national crimes such as the coup, but by preserving true historical memory to instruct the present and future,” he said.

It is our duty to honour the memory of the fallen by seeking out a solution to the Cyprus problem “without barbed wire, dividing walls, foreign armies, settlers and divisions among communities,” he added.

“We will fight for a free country for all legal citizens of Cyprus – Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots”.

Wreaths were laid at the tombs of those killed. Political parties will also hold special events in various towns to commemorate the dead.

The House of Representatives later held a special session to denounce the coup and the Turkish invasion and honour those who died during the events, with House president Annita Demetriou calling for a minute of silence in their memory.