The Republic of Cyprus honoured during an event that took place at Presidential Palace here, on Thursday evening, those killed to defend democracy during a coup d` etat engineered by the Athens junta to overthrow the then President of Cyprus Makarios III in the summer of 1974 and during the Turkish invasion of the island which followed.
Addressing the event President of the Republic Nicos Anatasiades spoke about the evils which follow conflicts among the people and focused on the need for democratic institutions to be fully safeguarded.
He also spoke of the need for sober political thought, calm dialogue and responsibility.
During the event a short documentary film about the coup and the invasion was projected.
Representatives from all political parties, the President of the House of Representatives Yiannakis Omirou, former President of the Republic Giorgos Vasiliou, National Guard chief Stylianos Nasis, representatives of the Church of Cyprus, Cabinet members, MPS and other officials attended the event.
Hellenic Parliament Vice President Ioannis Drivelegas and Greeks who fought in Cyprus in 1974 as well as relatives of Greek soldiers who were killed during the invasion or are still missing were also present.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. UN backed talks were halted in July 2012 by the Turkish side when Cyprus assumed the EU Council Presidency. It is expected that talks will resume in the autumn.