15TH July 1974, as the first act of the Cyprus drama and the beginning of the greatest catastrophe in Cyprus’ history, will forever mark the Cypriot people’s collective conscience. The coup d’état, organized by the Greek Junta and EOKA B, was the end result of plans and actions to undermine Cyprus independence over many years. That’s why the attempt to white wash the scale of the crime committed with references to “fools” constitutes, to say the least, a falsification of history. The aim of the treason committed, through the attempt to overthrow and assassinate Makarios, was the dissolution of the Republic of Cyprus, resulting in the Turkish invasion.
The coup was the product of a conspiracy elaborated by the US and NATO and whose execution was entrusted to the Athens junta and EOKA B of Grivas. This is also what the Finding of the House of Representatives’ Commission on the Cyprus File concluded. Accordingly, the new data provided by the Greek Parliament in relation to the “Cyprus File” must be studied. Defending historical truth is the minimal honor to those who gave their lives to defend democracy and to every victim of the treason committed, but also the only guarantee that the same mistakes and tragedies will not be repeated in the future.
Forty-three years after the treason, its results are still engraved on the body of our homeland and the wounds are still open. The crime committed, for which no one has ever been punished, continues to determine the lives of the people of Cyprus to date. Turkey still occupies 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus. The wounds of the missing persons, the enclaved people in the occupied areas, the refugees and war-stricken remain open. The threat of new woes and disasters continue to hang over Cyprus. All this would not have been the case had the fascist coup not taken place. The responsibilities of those who prepared – politically and ideologically – organized and carried out the coup are grave and enduring, as are the responsibilities of all those who welcomed and supported it morally and politically. The passage of time does not write off these responsibilities.
On the occasion of the black anniversary of the coup, AKEL condemns the fascist coup of 15th July 1974 and all its participants in the strongest possible terms. AKEL pays tribute to the memory of the fallen Resistance fighters and embraces with respect their families. It expresses its gratitude to all the Resistance fighters who, through their struggles, have saved the dignity of our people. AKEL once again condemns the crimes that were committed during the eight days the coup d’état had prevailed.
