Below is the text of the message of congratulations sent by Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias to the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus, Ioannis Kasoulides, on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the Republic of Cyprus.
“On the occasion of the celebration of the 55th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, I would like to convey the most heartfelt wishes for the freedom and prosperity of Cypriot Hellenism and the Cypriot people as a whole.
Respect for the independence of Cyprus and ongoing cooperation and coordination with the Cypriot government are cornerstones of Greece’s policy. Our common strategic goals are the end of the Turkish occupation and settlement, the withdrawal of all Turkish forces and the abolition of the anachronistic guarantees system of 1960, within the framework of a comprehensive, just and viable solution based on the UN resolutions and the principles of the EU.
I would like to assure you once again that Greece will spare no effort or resolve until Cyprus’s case has been vindicated. This is a tribute and promise to our Cypriot and Greek brothers who gave their lives for the freedom and integrity of Cyprus, and to the missing and their families. In the meanwhile, and until such time as the major international issue of Cyprus has been definitively resolved, Greece will continue to fulfil its historical, political and contractual obligations to the Republic of Cyprus.”
October 1, 2015