Education Minister Says Lessons of Ochi Day Remain Relevant to Cyprus

Aradippou, Cyprus. Education Minister Athena Michaelidou said on Tuesday evening that the lessons of 28 October 1940 still apply to Cyprus, which continues to deal with the effects of the Turkish invasion and occupation. She was speaking at an Ochi Day anniversary event held at the Omonia Aradippou club.

Parallel with Greek resistance

Michaelidou compared Greece’s historic stand against fascism with the ongoing Cypriot effort to reunify the island. She said the country had lived for more than 52 years with the results of the illegal invasion and the continuing occupation.

Related: Letymbiotis: Message of Unity from Greece’s 1940 “No” Remains Relevant for Cyprus

RelatedLetymbiotis: Message of Unity from Greece’s 1940 “No” Remains Relevant for Cyprus

In her words, “Our own ‘No’ to the faits accomplis of the invasion, our own ‘No’ to forgetting and accepting injustice, is our daily struggle.” She added that Cyprus relies on international law but above all on internal unity as it works toward a reunified, free, modern and secure island for all its lawful residents.

Government efforts on the Cyprus problem

The minister stated that President Nikos Christodoulides has made ending the present situation an absolute priority. According to her, his approach involves diplomatic initiatives, use of Cyprus’ membership of the European Union and the strengthening of strategic international alliances, with the aim of bringing about a resumption of negotiations.

She said the goal remains a viable, functional and just settlement of the Cyprus problem grounded in United Nations resolutions and European Union principles. Such a settlement, she said, would rid the island of occupying troops and of outdated systems of guarantees.

Role of education

Turning to schooling, Michaelidou said the ministry’s main aim is to turn historical memory into a living experience for younger generations. She said schools cultivate the values of a free individual every day, with emphasis on skills, research and critical thinking.

She described education as the strongest foundation for the progress and future of Cyprus and of Hellenism as a whole.