POLITICS: Cyprus remembers black anniversary of 1974 coup

Cyprus’ parliament paid its respects to those who died defending the Republic during a special session to mark the 45th anniversary of the 1974 military coup which led to the Turkish invasion five days later.

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A minute’s silence was observed for those who gave their lives for democracy and freedom.

House Speaker Demetris Syllouris said parliament condemned the treachery and crime that had taken place.

“We owe it to those who died defending the island to give a peaceful, secure and prosperous homeland to the future generations,” Syllouris said.

Party leaders and representatives also took the floor, condemning the 1974 coup d`état and the Turkish invasion.

Sirens sounded at 0820 local time (0520 GMT) the exact time the Greek-engineered coup – helped by Greek Cypriot collaborators — took place to overthrow President Makarios.

“Today’s sad anniversary constitutes an opportunity for reflection, with the certainty that there is a solid democracy in our country, we will not allow again, in any way and with any justification, the disruption of the constitutional order in Cyprus,” President Nicos Anastasiades said in a written statement.

“Our duty to the next generations is for all of us to contribute so that we finally bring peace and prosperity to our homeland,” said Anastasiades.