Greek Cypriot Leader Anastasiades, speaking at the 54th year (!) celebrations got carried away and thanked the EOKA terrorists who fought against the British and Turkish Cypriots for ENOSIS (Union with Greece, 1955-1959).
He provoked sharp reactions from both Turkish and Greek Cypriots as well as from the TRNC Leadersip.
Nicos Anastasiades hopes that the current international interest in the Cyprus issue would help create prospects for a solution, he said in his address to the nation to mark the island’s 54th anniversary of independence.
In his speech on Tuesday evening, Anastasiades paid tribute to the EOKA fighters who made independence possible in 1960, and those who later defended the Republic in the wake of the Turkish invasion in 1974.
He said he hoped that the current international interest in the Cyprus issue would help create prospects for a solution.
“Addressing our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, I would like to send the message that, while they should consider our sincere wish and determination for finding a solution, they should not expect that it would ever be possible for us to accept a solution that will not meet the expectations of the Greek Cypriots, or that will make the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots second-class citizens of the EU,” he said.
“At the same time, I call on the Turkish government to respond and contribute substantially, through specific actions, to the effort made for the solution of the Cyprus problem.”
Anastasiades called for the 54th anniversary to be “the beginning of a new era.
He also referred to the harsh economic conditions the island was undergoing
“We now bear the cost of longstanding problems, the system’s problems, the indecisiveness and fear to take responsibility in the past, as well as political weaknesses, wrong strategic choices and prejudices that led our country on the verge of destruction,” he said.
“It is time to acknowledge our mistakes, before the people, through self-awareness, self-criticism and courage… to acknowledge the reasons why our country went from a place of prosperity, stability, security and safety to being on the brink of economic but also national bankruptcy.”
Anastasiades said he was certain that the island could overcome the obstacles and return to conditions of growth and progress, free from the ills of the past.
“We are working towards transforming Cyprus into a modern, reliable and European country, country that will be playing a key role in the very important and sensitive area of the East Mediterranean, a country that will lead the effort for cooperation, peace and stability,” he said.
Comment by a Greek Cypriot (Veritas):
“In his speech on Tuesday evening, Anastasiades paid tribute to the EOKA fighters who made independence possible in 1960”.
Quite an appalling statement by the President on the eve of our National Day. Doesn’t he know that the aim of the EOKA campaign was union with Greece or ENOSIS and not independence? Further, the founder of EOKA, Gen. Grivas, was never pleased with the 1960 independence and formed EOKA B in1971, which turned out to be the final nail in the coffin 1974.
Above, together with the use of the Greek flag alongside the Cypriot flag on our National Day, doesn’t move things any closer to a solution. A very poor mind of judgement.
Comment by a Turkish Cypriot (Özay Mehmet):
I must admit I was one of those who welcomed Mr. A when he was elected leader of GCs…I thought his Yes in 2004 was the result of intelligence….He has been a great disappointment since day 1…his last performance fits only that of a failed politician. The man is a joke…which world does he live in?
Küf Seydali