Disabled 1974 veterans ask for state help

The more than 850 war veterans who were left disabled in the 1974 invasion asked MPs on Tuesday for support as they said they feel neglected by the state.

The head of the association of war-disabled Giorgos Groutides, who was at the House Refugees committee, informed MPs of the multiple problems they face mainly as regards their healthcare.

“We are here, don’t pretend you don’t see us,” Groutides told MPs. He added that 852 war veterans that were left disabled face many problems, and asked for the support of the state.

“We have fought and we have demonstrated exemplary patriotism and demand respect from the state,” Groutides said.

Committee head Skevi Koukouma said the war-disabled should not have to beg for healthcare and quality of life. This, she said, should have been the state’s concern, to provide for people “who have given their health for the country”.

The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.