Defence Minister Photis Photiou stressed Sunday that our country is going through some very critical times and we must all put national interest above all, calling on everyone to stand by the President.
Speaking Sunday during a memorial service held at the coastal town of Paralimni, Photiou said that we would never abandon our basic positions in the efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, pointing out that the basis of the solution lies primarily with the UN Resolutions.
He went on to say that despite our good will and determination to terminate the division, the Turkish side remains intransigent.
Education Minister Kyriakos Kenevezos, speaking at memorial service in Gerasa village, in the Limassol district, said that the Government would never abandon its efforts for peace and termination of the Turkish occupation.
He said that the Cyprus problem is a matter of invasion and occupation and of absolute violation of human rights and all those who wish to see stability and security in the region must turn to Ankara.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Repeated UN-led rounds of peace talks have so far failed to bring about a negotiated settlement that would reunite the country. Talks are expected to resume between the two Cypriot communities in autumn.