Cyprus marked the anniversary of "Oxi" Day on Wednesday with religious services, student parades and commemorative events across the island, as political attention increasingly turns to developments on the Cyprus issue.
The celebrations coincided with renewed diplomatic activity aimed at restarting negotiations, giving this year's commemorations an added political dimension.
Speaking after events in Nicosia, President Nikos Christodoulides linked the message of the 28 October 1940 anniversary to present-day challenges facing Cyprus.
"On matters of sovereignty and dignity, there can be neither compromises nor discounts," he said, arguing that Greece's stand in 1940 demonstrated the price often required to defend such values.
He also recalled the participation of approximately 20,000 Cypriots in the Second World War alongside Greece and the Allied forces, paying tribute to those who did not return.
Attention turns to the Cyprus issue
Referring to the Cyprus problem, Christodoulides described the coming days as particularly significant following his meeting on Tuesday with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman.
According to the president, the talks were held in a positive atmosphere and included a constructive exchange of views.
He pledged to do "everything humanly possible" to secure positive developments aimed at ending the island's division and achieving reunification.
Asked about the NAVTEX issue and the Cyprus-Greece electricity interconnection project, Christodoulides said the Republic was taking the necessary steps to exercise its sovereign rights "away from the public spotlight".
Annita Demetriou stresses unity
House President and DISY leader Annita Demetriou said the anniversary serves as a reminder of what Greeks can achieve when united.
She also stressed the need for complete alignment and cooperation between Cyprus and Greece.
Commemorations across the island
In Nicosia, the main ceremony took place at the Cathedral of Apostle Barnabas, where an official thanksgiving service was led by Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus.
Among those attending were President Christodoulides, Demetriou, Education Minister Athina Michaelidou, Greek Ambassador Konstantinos Kollias, and representatives of the political and military leadership.
The keynote address was delivered by Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis.
The traditional parade followed outside the Embassy of Greece, where Christodoulides and the Greek ambassador saluted participants.
Veterans, university students, school pupils, scouts, associations and civic organisations took part in the parade, with young people and Greek flags dominating the celebrations in the capital.
Similar events were held in Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, Paralimni and other communities across the island.
For many participants, the commemorations provided an opportunity to reflect collectively on a defining chapter of modern Greek history while drawing links to the challenges facing Cyprus today.
