Defence Minister Michalis Georgallas said on Wednesday we have a sacred duty to continue fighting for a free homeland. The Minister was speaking during the unveiling ceremony of the plaque for soldier Andreas Hadjigavriel, who was missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion. In his speech during the celebration of Saint Paisios, the patron saint of Transmissions, at the "Pantelis Katelaris," army camp in Mathiatis, Nicosia district, the Minister of Defence stated that Hadjigavriel, with selflessness and determination, carried out his mission to the fullest, until the end. Referring to the anniversaries of the coup and the Turkish invasion of 1974, the Minister of Defence stated that looking back, 'we are returning to the dark pages of the past, to the gloomy days of July and August 1974, when civil strife and the madness of a senseless coup allowed Turkey to invade on July 20th, in violation of the United Nations Security Council Charter, in the Republic of Cyprus'. "In the sacrifice of our fallen, whose historical voice echoes in our memory, we humbly bow our heads and pay tribute, offering the laurels of deepest respect and eternal gratitude", Minister Georgallas stated, adding 'we have a sacred duty and a supreme obligation to continue fighting for a free homeland'. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island's northern third. Around 700 Greek Cypriots and 200 Turkish Cypriots are still missing.
Source: Cyprus News Agency