A new approach involving an international information campaign about the true extent of the Cyprus conflict is needed on our part if we are to avert Turkey's destructive plans, said Archbishop George of Cyprus, saying the resumption of talks should only take place under certain conditions. .
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the AHEPA World Congress in Limassol on Monday evening (July 22), Archbishop George said we must realize "that our generation has the sad but honorable privilege of fighting to ensure the continuity of Hellenism in Cyprus, as it has been consistently received by more than 100 generations of our Greek ancestors."
"Laziness or unwillingness to do our duty or to be seduced by any temptations will eventually lead to the Turkification of Cyprus," he said and added that given that we have lived and survived in more difficult situations, "we must courageously endure any adversity. and turn to a correct and just solution to our problem."
Stating that the negotiations on the Cyprus issue have so far "burdened our side with many unilateral concessions" because "every time we accept Turkey's claims, they move on to another, bigger claim," Archbishop George explained that Turkey has always used negotiations to advance its fixed objectives and is now making it clear that the ultimate goal is the occupation and Turkification of the whole of Cyprus.
'In the decade of 64-74 it negotiated to provide time to prepare its landing fleet, while after the invasion it used negotiations to consolidate the status quo and deceive foreigners about its intentions'" he continued, adding that ' today, when foreigners, some deceived and others supporting it based on their own interests, are trying to trap us in a false solution that will quickly lead to its collapse under one pretext or another to prepare the ground for the Turkification of the homeland us'.
Emphasizing that "if we want to achieve results and prevent Turkey's destructive plans, a new approach is needed from us," the archbishop said that we should undertake an international information campaign about the real extent of the problem because, as he noted, "foreigners forget, do not know and do not remember the invasion and ongoing occupation 37% of the territory of an independent state."
He noted that we all have a dual responsibility to confront any difficulties and to enable our government to properly in a way to solve our national issue on the one hand and, on the other hand, to inform those who do not know, inside and outside Cyprus. of the real extent of our problem
.
He also stated that "before we start any negotiations, we will have to demand the validity of certain conditions" and expressed the position that "only in this way will we have any hope of success".
He also stated that today "there is interest in international relations, but no one can deny us the rights that everyone enjoys. About free movement, owning property, living in our country, the principle of 'one person, one vote'.
At the same time, he expressed regret, according to him, if he upset some people with his speech, 'but he considered it right to remind everyone of the Church's position on our national issue, the main problem we are facing, because without a proper solution everything else is in vain.
Re-emphasizing that Turkey's aim is to occupy the whole of Cyprus and "expel our people from their ancient homes," he urged everyone not to relax and together "let us work to thwart her plans and ensure our natural and national survival in the place our fathers bequeathed to us."
In addition, addressing the leadership and the To AHEPA members, Archbishop George said their presence in Cyprus at this year's conference, on the sad anniversary of the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and occupation, is testament to their love for the island and its position. has in their thinking.
Saying that emigrants remember their homeland as they left it, with its principles and values, its ideals and aspirations, its morals and customs, he said that "we, living every day in Cyprus, did not resist compromise and compromised on many things, taking the easy way out, not feeling the seriousness of our departure from principles and ideals and the consequences for us and our children". This is where, he continued, we need foreigners "to sound the alarm and raise awareness."
During the opening ceremony, announced by the President of the Republic, AHEPA Supreme President Savvas Tsivikos presented the "Archbishop Iakovos AHEPA Humanitarian Award" to Archbishop George of Cyprus.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the AHEPA World Congress in Limassol on Monday evening (July 22), Archbishop George said we must realize "that our generation has the sad but honorable privilege of fighting to ensure the continuity of Hellenism in Cyprus, as it has been consistently received by more than 100 generations of our Greek ancestors."
"Laziness or unwillingness to do our duty or to be seduced by any temptations will eventually lead to the Turkification of Cyprus," he said and added that given that we have lived and survived in more difficult situations, "we must courageously endure any adversity. and turn to a correct and just solution to our problem."
Stating that the negotiations on the Cyprus issue have so far "burdened our side with many unilateral concessions" because "every time we accept Turkey's claims, they move on to another, bigger claim," Archbishop George explained that Turkey has always used negotiations to advance its fixed objectives and is now making it clear that the ultimate goal is the occupation and Turkification of the whole of Cyprus.
'In the decade of 64-74 it negotiated to provide time to prepare its landing fleet, while after the invasion it used negotiations to consolidate the status quo and deceive foreigners about its intentions'" he continued, adding that ' today, when foreigners, some deceived and others supporting it based on their own interests, are trying to trap us in a false solution that will quickly lead to its collapse under one pretext or another to prepare the ground for the Turkification of the homeland us'.
Emphasizing that "if we want to achieve results and prevent Turkey's destructive plans, a new approach is needed from us," the archbishop said that we should undertake an international information campaign about the real extent of the problem because, as he noted, "foreigners forget, do not know and do not remember the invasion and ongoing occupation 37% of the territory of an independent state."
He noted that we all have a dual responsibility to confront any difficulties and to enable our government to properly in a way to solve our national issue on the one hand and, on the other hand, to inform those who do not know, inside and outside Cyprus. of the real extent of our problem
.
He also stated that "before we start any negotiations, we will have to demand the validity of certain conditions" and expressed the position that "only in this way will we have any hope of success".
He also stated that today "there is interest in international relations, but no one can deny us the rights that everyone enjoys. About free movement, owning property, living in our country, the principle of 'one person, one vote'.
At the same time, he expressed regret, according to him, if he upset some people with his speech, 'but he considered it right to remind everyone of the Church's position on our national issue, the main problem we are facing, because without a proper solution everything else is in vain.
Re-emphasizing that Turkey's aim is to occupy the whole of Cyprus and "expel our people from their ancient homes," he urged everyone not to relax and together "let us work to thwart her plans and ensure our natural and national survival in the place our fathers bequeathed to us."
In addition, addressing the leadership and the To AHEPA members, Archbishop George said their presence in Cyprus at this year's conference, on the sad anniversary of the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and occupation, is testament to their love for the island and its position. has in their thinking.
Saying that emigrants remember their homeland as they left it, with its principles and values, its ideals and aspirations, its morals and customs, he said that "we, living every day in Cyprus, did not resist compromise and compromised on many things, taking the easy way out, not feeling the seriousness of our departure from principles and ideals and the consequences for us and our children". This is where, he continued, we need foreigners "to sound the alarm and raise awareness."
During the opening ceremony, announced by the President of the Republic, AHEPA Supreme President Savvas Tsivikos presented the "Archbishop Iakovos AHEPA Humanitarian Award" to Archbishop George of Cyprus.
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