By Athena Karsera
POLITICAL leaders in Cyprus yesterday celebrated the protagonists the 1950s struggle against British colonial rule in their messages on the anniversary of the start of the Eoka campaign.
In his address to teachers, students and school pupils, Education Minister Ouranios Ioannides said “the dawn of April 1 1955 represented one of Hellenism’s greatest moments.”
“The whole of Hellenism, with all its ideals, virtues and power combined in the life and death of the great generation of 1955 to 1959,” he said.
Ioannides said that the fighters, inspired by Archbishop Makarios and Eoka leader General Grivas, “wrote the brightest pages in the history of modern Cypriot Hellenism, and the fight for Cyprus’ freedom is continuing in other forms.”
The minister encouraged the new generation to be worthy of the “responsibility and honour” that had fallen upon them to fight for Cyprus’ total freedom.
In its announcement, the Eurodemocratic Renewal party of Alexis Galanos said that the 1955 to 1959 struggle “must be a shining example during the difficult times our country is going through.”
The party said that the Eoka fighters had sacrificed themselves for their values and that this gave today’s Cypriots “a moral obligation” to continue to fight for the freedom of Cyprus.
The United Democrats said that the foundations for Cyprus’ independence had been laid down on April 1 1955, “an independence which is today threatened by Turkey and unacceptable international behaviour.”
The UD continued that this year’s anniversary, taking place against the backdrop of Nato attacks against Yugoslavia, “reminds us of the need to try to understand the bitter and disappointing international reality of interests.”
The United Democrats said that this would in turn lead Cyprus to “go after what belongs to it, stay united when the need arises and keep involved in national priorities.”
The announcement concluded that this “patriotic stand would be the biggest honour and the most suitable way to remember those who were sacrificed during the liberation struggle.”
New Horizons’ announcement said that the Greek Cypriots began the struggle 44 years ago, “flooded by a passion for freedom.”
The party continued that “all those who lost their lives for freedom and independence have yet to be vindicated 25 years after the Turkish invasion.”
The announcement said that “accepting a bi-zonal federation or confederation would refute the hero strugglers’ contributions.”
New Horizons then called the political leadership and people of Cyprus to face up to current “critical problems” in a spirit of “co-operation and compassion to fight for the common goal of freedom.”
