Cyprus has honoured the fallen defenders of the Republic with memorial services and commemorative events across the island, marking the 52nd anniversary of the 15 July 1974 coup d’état orchestrated by Greece’s military junta and members of EOKA B.
The nationwide commemorations paid tribute to those who lost their lives defending the constitutional order, with state officials, clergy and citizens gathering to remember the events that changed the island’s history.
Following a memorial service at the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen in Nicosia, President Nikos Christodoulides said there could be “absolutely no justification” for the coup, describing it as a betrayal of the Republic.
“We are here to condemn it and honour those who sacrificed themselves so that democracy could survive in this land,” the President said.
He added that the gratitude of the Cypriot people and the State towards those who defended the Republic would remain eternal, recognising their role in preserving Cyprus during one of its darkest chapters.
President Christodoulides also said the coup provided Turkey with the pretext to pursue long-standing strategic objectives that predated the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, ultimately leading to the Turkish invasion of the island just five days later.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to resolving the Cyprus issue, the President said efforts continue towards achieving a comprehensive settlement that would reunify Cyprus as a single sovereign state and member of the European Union.
Following the service, President Christodoulides and President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou laid wreaths at the Monument of Democracy in the grounds of the Presidential Palace, honouring those who gave their lives defending democracy and the Republic.
Junta