Cyprus celebrates independence day

Cyprus is on Tuesday celebrating its independence day, with various events taking place across the island to celebrate the day.

The official commemorations began at 8.30am, with President Nikos Christodoulides laying a wreath at the Imprisoned Graves at the central prison, where 13 Eoka fighters killed during the 1950s were interred.

Then, at 9am, Christodoulides laid a wreath at the monument to the island’s first president, Archbishop Makarios III, alongside Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, and subsequently visited the Liberty Moument on Nicosia’s walls to lay another wreath.

He was present on Iosif X Iosif avenue in Strovolos later in the morning, with a military parade saluting him. Hundreds of well-wishers gathered to watch the parade in Strovolos.

He spoke at the event, describing the day as “a day of remembrance, honour and pride for all those who fought to have the Republic of Cyprus and all those who fought to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.”

He then called for honesty, saying that “especially in the first few years after its creation, this Republic was not loved as much as it should have been loved”.

In this regard, he said, “our goal cannot be other than strengthening the status of the Republic of Cyprus, both domestically and internationally.”

He went on to speak of his pride at Cyprus’ security forces, speaking of the importance of the National Guard.

“We continue to strengthen it, not only because there is a Turkish occupation, and because for that reason the Republic of Cyprus’ deterrent power must be strengthened, but also because the Republic of Cyprus, as a European Union member state in an area of particular geostrategic importance, must be able to play its role as a pillar of security and stability in the region,” he said.

Sakellaropoulou also spoke after the parade, saying that despite Turkey’s occupation of half the island, “the Republic of Cyprus is a modern European state, a pillar of stability in the wider region.”

She also spoke of the “fraternal bonds” between Greece and Cyprus, adding that the two countries “will continue to fight together for the liberation and reunification of Cyprus and its people.”

Later in the day, Christodoulides held a reception with the first lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides for members of the consular and diplomatic corps who are based on the island.

Taking part in Tuesday morning’s parade were the motorised and infantry divisions of the National Guard, the police, the fire brigade, the forestry department, the civil defence, and the ambulance service.

A number of roads around Iosif X Iosif avenue were closed for the parade, with motorists in the area urged to take precautions, to seek alternative routes, and to follow the instructions of the police officers on duty.

Political parties across Cyprus’ political spectrum issued their own messages to mark independence day, with Akel offering a tribute “to those who fought with heroism and self-sacrifice, even sacrificing their lives to defend the freedom and integrity of our homeland.”

They then called “on the Cypriot people – Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Armenians, Maronites and Latin Cypriots – to double down on the fight for the liberation and reunification of our common homeland”.

Meanwhile, Diko described Cyprus’ independence as “the Cypriot people’s greatest achievement”, and described the Republic of Cyprus as “the strongest shield of protection against Turkish aggression and expansionism, and against unacceptable strategies aimed at partition”.

Edek followed a similar line, describing the Republic of Cyprus as “the shield and spear of Cypriot Hellenism”, and the Green Party called for a “regime of equality” in any solution to the Cyprus problem.

Well wishes also came in from abroad, with Chinese President Xi Jingping conveying his “warm congratulations” to Cyprus on its independence day and speaking of a “longstanding traditional friendship” between Cyprus and China.

He added that he is “ready to work with [Cyprus] for the vigorous support of each of our countries’ main interests”.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi also sent his “heartfelt wishes for the progress and prosperity of Cyprus”, and pointed out the “long and strong friendship” between the two countries.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu said, “on this important milestone, I would like to convey my appreciation for the enduring friendship and the strong bilateral relationship between our two countries.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said in his message that he was “committed” to finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, while the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the United Kingdom’s King Charles III also expressed their own well wishes.

Cyprus became an independent country on August 16, 1960, but independence day commemorations were moved to October 1 in the early 1960s to avoid the hot summer holiday season.

October 1 became a national holiday in Cyprus in 1979.