President Demetris Christofias has said that the presence of the Greek army contingent in Cyprus (ELDYK) constitutes significant assistance for the people of Cyprus.

Speaking at a meeting on Wednesday with ELDYK’s new Commander in Chief, Colonel Georgios Kouris and the former Commander, Colonel Keventzidis, the President expressed his gratitude for the work done by ELDYK’s former Commander, adding that the new Commander will continue the work with the same success.

Christofias reassured the two Commanders that the presence of ELDYK in Cyprus is of great importance.

He also expressed gratitude for the support that Greece provides to Cyprus, saying it is invaluable.

“I would like to express our thanks and gratitude for your contribution to the struggle of the Cypriot people and I hope we can overcome the current difficulties soon,” he said, noting that “maintaining an army requires financial support and we have to deal with an arrogant rival,” he concluded, referring to Turkey, whose troops occupy Cyprus’ northern part since they invaded in 1974.

EDLYK, the Greek military contingent, arrived in Cyprus in 1960, in accordance with the treaties that established the Republic of Cyprus. Greece is one of the three guarantor powers of Cyprus – the other two being Britain and Turkey