Nicosia, Cyprus. Elam leader Christos Christou intensified a dispute with Akel over the wartime role of former president Demetris Christofias, saying national guard records do not place him among those who fought at Nicosia airport during the Turkish invasion.
Christou’s comments on Sigma TV
Speaking on Sigma TV on Wednesday, Christou said the controversy followed a televised confrontation with Akel secretary-general Stefanos Stefanou and subsequent public interventions by Christofias’ family. He said the issue had been raised after Monday’s debate and added that he had not initially referred to the late former president by name.
Claim based on national guard archives
Christou said Akel had promoted what he called “a narrative of his participation in the war operations” and that his review of national guard archives presented a different account of Christofias’ service during Operation Attila.
According to Christou, Christofias served as a medical sergeant in the 91st medical company, which he said operated under the command of the 211th infantry battalion during the conflict. Christou said the unit’s area of responsibility extended from Ayios Pavlos to Kaimakli, and not the airport sector west of the capital.
“Nowhere does it appear that the late former president was found or fought in the Nicosia airport area,” Christou said.
References to units involved at the airport
Christou said the battle at Nicosia airport involved units of the air force, artillery and a company of the 33rd commando squadron. He also said discussions with Greek (Eldyk) veterans had not produced testimony linking Christofias to the airport battles.
Background to the dispute
The dispute follows a heated exchange broadcast on Sigma on Monday night in which Stefanou accused Elam of attempting to portray itself as “the only patriotic party” while questioning the sincerity of its political opponents.
What do you think should be the standard for verifying public claims about wartime service?