President Nikos Christodoulides has been working since the first day of his administration to promote unity and cohesion, while undertaking initiatives aimed at resuming negotiations within the agreed framework and with a more active role for the European Union, Energy Minister Michael Damianos said on Sunday.

Damianos was speaking during a commemorative address at the national and religious memorial service organised by the Strovolos municipality for the anniversaries of Greek Independence Day and EOKA struggle.

He said the anniversaries serve as a reminder that unity, solidarity and commitment to the values of freedom, justice and democracy are essential for achieving collective goals.

Damianos reiterated that the government’s steady objective remains a viable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem, based on international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

“Such a solution must ensure peace, security and prosperity for all lawful residents of our country – Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins – without occupying troops, outdated guarantees or intervention rights,” he said.

He added that the duty owed to the heroes of 1821 and 1955 is clear: to preserve historical identity, pass on their ideals to future generations and continue the struggle for justice with determination.

Referring to Cyprus’ modern history, Damianos said the anniversaries are closely linked to the long-standing struggles for freedom and democracy, particularly at a time when the island remains partially occupied.

He aaded that the events of the 1974 Cyprus coup and invasion left deep scars, with the continued occupation of 37 per cent of the island serving as a constant reminder of that period.

Despite the challenges, he said that Greek Cypriots do not forget and do not give up, adding that the sacrifices of past generations were not in vain, as they led to the independence of the Republic of Cyprus and laid the foundations of the state.

“The anniversaries we mark today are not merely a reflection on the past, but a source of inspiration for the present and the future,” he said.