The visit of Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias to Cyprus on Monday “shows a very clear separation” of the country’s modern government from the junta which sponsored a coup d’état in Cyprus 50 years prior, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said.
Receiving Dendias at the Presidential palace, Christodoulides expressed his “great pleasure” at welcoming him to the island and said he “saw in practice” the “friendship” Dendias showed him when the pair were foreign ministers of their respective countries.
“I will dwell on another dimension, and I think your presence today, on the day of the treacherous coup, is very appropriate – a visit which also sends very specific messages about the clear separation from the Athens junta,” he added.
The Greek junta fell on July 24, 1974, nine days after the coup d’état in Cyprus and four days after Turkey invaded the island in response.
“Since then, Greek governments have always stood by Cypriot Hellenism in its effort, which has one sole goal: the liberation and reunification of this country,” Christodoulides said.
He added, “in this effort, the incumbent Greek government, as well as you personally, are by our side, not just through nice statements, which for a while was characteristic of relations between Greece and Cyprus, but through concrete and substantial actions.”
Dendias said that July 15 “was obviously not chosen by chance” as the date of his visit to Cyprus.
“I fully understand the symbolism … The junta’s coup had tragic consequences. From then on, Hellenism has followed a different trajectory. Our relations are those which should be with cordiality, with love, and interest in solving the great national problem,” he said.
He added, “I hope we will escape from these 50 years of occupation and division.”
Earlier, Dendias met with his Cypriot counterpart Vasilis Palmas, and said both Cyprus and Greece are “pillars of stability” and are working “to de-escalate tensions in the wider region.”
He added that both countries aim to “contribute to ensure freedom of [nautical] navigation and protect European economies.”
He also made reference to the two countries’ cooperation towards implementing the Amalthea plan, Cyprus’ humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza.
“The Amalthea plan demonstrates the frontline role the Republic of Cyprus can play in dealing with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” he said.
Additionally, he spoke of Greece’s “longstanding support for achieving a fair and sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem”.
Such a solution, he said, will be “based on the United Nations Security Council’s resolutions and compatible with the European acquis”.
Palmas said the two countries will make “every possible effort to maintain peace, security, stability, and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean”.
In addition, he said, the two countries will continue to deepen and make more effective their cooperation.
