Potamia, Cyprus. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou on Sunday paid tribute to 28 soldiers of the 398th Infantry Battalion killed during the 1974 Turkish invasion, saying their sacrifice remained a responsibility for future generations and efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem.
Speaking at a memorial service for the battalion’s fallen and a prayer for missing persons from Potamia, Ioannou said the soldiers were remembered for their duty and courage during the invasion.
Tribute to fallen soldiers
Ioannou said those honoured had not sought glory but had faced difficult conditions and chosen to fulfil their duty.
He said the 398th Infantry Battalion was among National Guard units that sustained the heaviest losses during the fighting. Its members were deployed from the early stages of the invasion in areas including Epicho and the Chatos enclave.
Missing persons
The minister also referred to two missing persons from Potamia, Andreas Varnava Kourounas and Panayiotis Loizou Karageorgis.
He said that, 52 years on, their absence remained an open wound for their families, the community and Cyprus.
Ioannou said determining the fate of all missing persons remained a state responsibility, describing it as a supreme humanitarian issue and an obligation grounded in international law and respect for human dignity.
Negotiation efforts
On efforts to resume Cyprus negotiations, Ioannou said developments could be viewed with cautious optimism because of increased European Union involvement and the political will of the United Nations Secretary-General.
He said the appointment of European Commission Executive Vice President Raffaele Fitto as EU Special Envoy for the Cyprus problem reflected greater European involvement.
Ioannou said the government would continue working to create conditions for a return to negotiations, adding that the sacrifice of those honoured carried a continuing obligation to work for a peaceful and reunited Cyprus.