Athens, Greece. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides told the Greek political leadership on Thursday that Cyprus and Greece stand side by side amid contemporary challenges and what he described as an ongoing aggressive Turkish posture.
Address to the Greek parliament
Speaking to the Greek parliament, Christodoulides said that in efforts to end the “bonds of occupation” Cyprus does not feel alone. He said Cyprus has the support of Greece, describing Greece as its most consistent and selfless ally.
He addressed Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Greek MPs, referencing Herodotus and figures from the 1821 Greek revolution to underline what he described as shared values and identity between the two nations.
Presidency office calls appearance historic
Earlier, the office of the presidency described Christodoulides’ appearance at the Greek parliament as “historic,” noting that the last appearance by a Cypriot head of state was in 2010, marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus.
References to 1974 and criticism of Turkey
Christodoulides expressed gratitude to Greek soldiers who died defending Cyprus in 1974, saying they upheld dignity and were placed among “the immortals,” alongside figures including Leonidas, Kolokotronis, Pallikaridis and Afxentiou.
He criticised Turkey for its invasion and ongoing occupation of a third of the island, and said Turkey continues to illegally bring settlers to the north, altering Cyprus’ demographic character.
Mandate for reunification
Christodoulides said the Cypriot government has a popular mandate to “liberate and reunify the country.”
What do you think Christodoulides’ message to the Greek parliament signals about Cyprus’ priorities on reunification?