The government of President Nikos Christodoulides is continuing its efforts with consistency and determination to break the deadlock and resume substantive negotiations on the Cyprus issue, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos said on Sunday.
Speaking during the memorial service for the heroes of Galata at the Church of Panagia Odigitria, Keravnos linked the preservation of historical memory with the pursuit of a free, secure and reunified homeland, free from occupation and its consequences.
Commitment to negotiations
Keravnos said the government remains firmly committed to international law and the principles and values of the European Union, while continuing efforts to achieve a just, viable and functional settlement of the Cyprus problem.
Any solution, he said, must be based on:
- Relevant United Nations resolutions.
- The agreed framework for a settlement.
- Respect for the rights of all lawful residents of Cyprus.
"Our historic responsibility requires us to keep alive the desire for freedom and reunification," Keravnos said.
"We do not relinquish our right to pursue a future of peace, security and prosperity for the entire Cypriot people."
Tribute to Galata's heroes
The minister paid tribute to the six heroes of Galata:
- Chrysanthos Mylonas
- Evagoras Papachristoforou
- Andreas Geroudis
- Georgios Zacharia
- Iakovos Geroudis
- Panicos Athanasiou
He described them as shining examples of patriotism, heroism and exceptional courage.
Despite their young age, he said, each served the ideals of freedom in his own way and left an indelible mark on Cyprus' history.
Preserving historical memory
Keravnos said their sacrifice remains a timeless example of courage, selflessness and devotion to country, while serving as a valuable legacy for younger generations.
"We have a duty to keep their memory alive because peoples without historical memory have no future," he said.
He added that the memorial service was not merely an act of tribute but also a promise to both the heroes and future generations that historical truth would not be forgotten.
According to the minister, their memory remains a living element of Cyprus' identity, a source of lessons and a constant reminder of the principles and ideals that must be safeguarded.
Source: CNA
