Anniversary of the fascist coup in Greece
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 21st April 2015, Nicosia
The junta coup d’état of 21st April 1967, which imposed a brutal seven-year dictatorship in the country that gave birth to democracy, was the beginning of great suffering for the Greek people and led Cyprus to the catastrophe in the summer of 1974.
The junta, acting as a puppet of its NATO bosses, organized and carried out together with EOKA B the fascist coup d’état of 15th July 1974, which gave Turkey the pretext to invade Cyprus and occupy a large part of our homeland. The conclusion of the “File of Cyprus” of the House of Representatives proves the conspiracy coordinated between NATO, the junta in Athens, the militarists in Ankara and EOKA B ‘in the double crime committed against Cyprus.
The anniversary of the junta coup d’état teaches that democracy is a gain and a valuable asset that we must always protect unreservedly. At the same time, it recalls the duty to fight against fascism, nationalism-chauvinism and the defense of historical truth.
The fall of the Junta in Athens unfortunately occurred after it caused the destruction of Cyprus. Our country continues to experience the heavy consequences of the coup, the invasion and on-going occupation. The open wounds caused by the coup of 21st April 1967 will only heal permanently when Cyprus will get rid of the Turkish occupation and is reunited in conditions of freedom, democracy and respect of human rights.
On the occasion of this black anniversary, AKEL once again condemns in the strongest manner the junta coup and fascism. We pay tribute to the democratic anti-fascist both in Greece and Cyprus too, who fought against the dictatorship and many of them sacrificed the most valuable asset, their own lives.
AKEL expresses its gratitude towards the Greek government, the political leadership and the Greek people who over time are our most basic bastion of support in our struggle for a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem. We also express our solidarity and wish the Greek people overcome the difficulties it is currently facing and take the path of growth and prosperity.
