President Christofias congratulates Greek leadership on October 28 anniversary

President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias has sent messages of congratulations to President of the Hellenic Republic Carolos Papoulias and Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, on the occasion of the anniversary of 28 October 1940, when the people of Greece said ''No'' to Mussolini’s request to allow Italian troops to enter Greece.

In his messages, President Christofias says that the anniversary is a reference and source of inspiration for the younger generations in struggles for true independence, national dignity, democracy and social progress.

President Christofias says the ideals and values that led the people of Greece to resist foreign forces, defending their national dignity, inspire the people of Cyprus in their own difficult struggle for the reunification of their homeland and the peaceful coexistence of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

He adds that the people of Cyprus thank Greece for its support to their struggle for freedom and justice, and expresses certainty that ''the cooperation of our governments will continue to give decisive impetus to the achievement of our common goals on all levels.''

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.