Archbishop George of Cyprus emphasized Turkey’s unwavering “pursuit of ‘Turkification’ in Cyprus”, stressing the need to “uphold European principles and the rights inherent to all free individuals”.
During his impassioned address at the “Memories of the Occupied Land” event, organized by the Committees of Occupied Municipalities and Occupied Communities at the Archangel Cultural Foundation of the Holy Monastery of Kykkos in Lakatamia, the Archbishop spoke on the anniversary of the proclamation of the “pseudo-state” (the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus). He urged for “a renewal of faith in the eventual restoration of rights through the liberation of the occupied northern part of the island and the return of refugees to their ancestral homes.”
Asserting the church’s continued commitment to spearhead the struggle, Archbishop George expressed confidence that “vindication would come for the rights of the people, provided everyone remained resolute in their defense until the end”.
Underlining the importance of adhering to European principles, the Archbishop questioned why, in their own country, “the people were deprived of rights such as free movement, establishment, and property acquisition that Europeans elsewhere enjoy.” He emphasized the need to “stand firm and uphold these rights while urging the international community to compel Turkey to acknowledge these fundamental rights”.
Addressing the ongoing regional conflicts and Turkey’s persistent goals, the Archbishop highlighted the paradox of advocating for “the dissolution of the National Guard of Cyprus while Turkey continues its efforts towards Turkification”.
Amidst these challenges, he expressed hope in “the resilient memory of the occupied homeland”, acknowledging “the prevailing spirit of resistance within the majority of the population and the necessity for guidance and inspiration”.
The Archbishop emphasized the event’s focus on condemning the proclamation of the Turkish pseudo-state and underscored the “urgency to intensify resistance”, pointing out Turkey’s attempts at exerting “influence through Islamization in the free areas of Cyprus”.
Concluding with a hopeful remark, the Archbishop invoked “divine assistance and unity among all political forces and citizens”, expressing “faith that the prevailing of their rights would soon be celebrated”.
Source: ΚΥΠΕ, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
