President speaks of regret over not solving Cyprus problem at monument unveiling

A monument to the members and athletes of the Famagusta Gymnastics Club Evagoras was unveiled on Sunday by President Nicos Anasyasiades, on a tour of the region.

The Evagoras club has a 120-year history, Anastasiades said, an outline of which was given at the event by the club’s current president.

The monument was created at the initiative of the Famagusta municipal council by sculptor Philippos Giapanis and architect Angelos Savvides.

“It will underline, at the same time, the obligation we have to safeguard independence and continue the struggle for liberation, freedom from occupation and reunification of our homeland,” Anastasiades said.

The president said it has been his and all presidents goal to see the return of the people of Famagusta to their homes.

His only regret at the end of ten years as president, Anastasiades said was the impossibility to find a solution to the Cyprus problem, which he put down to Turkish intransigence.

It will not be long before Turkey has to pay the price of its unacceptable behaviour, Anastasiades said.