The EU can help to end the deadlock in the Cyprus issue, says the Minister of Transport
The EU, with its political and economic tools, can < strong>help in removing the impasse, said the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Alexis Vafeadis, noting that the contacts of the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulidis with European and international partners aim to strengthen efforts for a sustainable solution, in accordance with the Resolutions of the United Nations Organization (UN).
In his memorial speech at the National Memorial for the Fallen of the Eptakomi Community, which was held at the Holy Church of Saint Thomas and the Apostle Luke, in Saint Thomas, the Minister of Transport further emphasized that “the Greek Cypriot side is ready to return to the talks with the aim of achieving of a solution that will bring security and peace to all Cypriots”.
Turkey's intransigent attitude continues to hinder negotiations, despite the determination of the Greek Cypriot side, said Mr. Vafeadis, adding that the President of of Democracy, through a series of initiatives, seeks an immediate return to dialogue, respecting the principles of the European Union (EU) and International Law.
Referring to the Heptacomites who offered their most precious things in defense of democracy in Cyprus, as well as its freedom and territorial integrity in July 1974, the Minister of Transport said “we also pray for the finding and verification of the fate of missing persons of the Community, who fought valiantly against the Turkish invader. We commemorate those who preserved and saved the Holy Gospel of Eptakomi, as well as all the Eptakomiites who died in the refugee.
In his speech, he said that the Community of Eptakomi surrendered to the Turks on August 15, 1974. They immediately arrested all men under the age of 50. Among them, the Community Elder Loukas Kyriakou, Antonis Konis, Yannos Lambrou and Andreas Constantinou remain missing to this day.
Deacon Vasilios Ilias Giannaka, student Michalis Sialounas, Dimitris Spyrou and Dimitris Charalambous have been found. in a mass grave.
The murder of Charalambos Agapios in his wheelchair was the last straw and forced the inhabitants of the village to abandon it in October 1976 and move all together, after their request, to the Turkish Cypriot Communities of Agios Thomas and Plataniskia which until then had been abandoned, he added.
Finally he said that it is our duty to continue fighting for the reunification of Cyprus, for the restoration of the rights of all of Cypriots, for peace and prosperity throughout the island”.
