Cyprus marked Independence Day on October 1st

  October 1st military parade takes place in Nicosia.

The Republic of Cyprus yesterday celebrated the 47th anniversary of the county’s independence from British colonial rule.

To mark this year’s event, President Tassos Papadopoulos, National Guard Commander Lieutenant General Constantinos Bisbikas, Defence Minister Christodoulos Pashiardes, as well as leading Political, Ministerial, Military, Church and Police figures were joined by Greek Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis, who was representing the Nation at this year’s parade which took place in the Strovolos area of Nicosia.

The parade featured units of the National Guard, Police, Fire Services, Forestry Department and Civil Defence. Participating in Monday’s parade were infantry, artillery and naval forces and members of the Greek military contingent stationed in Cyprus. For the first time, the MI35 Russian helicopters made a public show, flying over the parading units. Missiles and rocket launchers were also displayed at the parade.

Cyprus gained its independence from Britain on August 16, 1960, but the official celebration was moved to October 1 to take it away from the scorching summer heat. Independence came after a bloody uprising against British colonial rule.

Speaking to reporters after the parade, President Tassos Papadopoulos congratulated the National Guard, and said, “The defence of the National Guard breeds a feeling of safety and gives us the strength to continue our efforts for political negotiations to solve the Cyprus problem”.

Greek Defense Minister Evangelos Meimarakis, who attended the ceremony on behalf of the Greek government, said that cooperation between Greece and Cyprus is “excellent, frank and substantive”.

The Head of the Cyprus Church, Archbishop Chrysostomos II, spoke about the importance of celebrating as an EU nation and also sent out a message to the refugees saying that they had the support of the Church which will continue to work towards reuniting the people.