Limassol, Cyprus. Motorcyclists and members of the Isaac-Solomou remembrance initiative departed on Tuesday for Greece for a tour through symbolic stops across the country, marking 30 years since Tasos Isaac and Solomos Solomou were killed during separate demonstrations in the buffer zone near Dherynia in August 1996.
The participants gathered at the DP World Limassol terminal at Limassol port on Tuesday morning to board the AF Marina ferry bound for Piraeus for what organisers described as their third ride.
Tour and destinations
Speaking on behalf of the initiative, Kyriacos Yiangou said the first ride took place in 2016 in Germany and the second in 2021 in Greece.
He said the 10-day motorcycle tour will include symbolic stops at Kyrenia in Achaia, Karavas in Kythira, Salamina in Attica, Rhodes and Kastellorizo.
Message of the initiative
Yiangou said the corresponding destinations in Cyprus are under occupation and that the initiative is demanding the right to freely return to their land, as well as the right to freedom, dignity and justice.
He said each ride is highly emotional and includes the participation of Tasos Isaac’s mother, daughter and sisters.
According to Yiangou, the bikers are honouring the memory of the two men and seeking to convey the messages arising from their sacrifice.
Events in Greece and Cyprus
Yiangou said preparations had been made in Greece to welcome the bikers with receptions and road naming ceremonies, including an event at the House of Cyprus in Athens with the contribution of the Cyprus embassy.
During their stay in Athens, a delegation of bikers is scheduled to meet President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas.
Upon their return to Cyprus, the bikers are set to meet President Nikos Christodoulides to reiterate the need for justice over the deaths of the two men.
Anniversary commemoration
In addition to the tour in Greece, motorcyclists are also scheduled to travel to Paralimni on August 8 to mark the anniversary of both deaths.
