Shameful Government decision to fund  the distortion of historical truth

Statement of Georgos Loucaides, AKEL Press Spokesperson
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 29th October 2015, Nicosia

AKEL again returns to the issue of the construction of a “heroes” monument to the Commandos who were killed in the attack they waged on the Presidential Palace on 15th July 1974 in order to murder and overthrow Archbishop Makarios through the execution of a coup d’état.The government’s admission that the Ministerial Council decided in August to contribute 25,000 Euros towards the construction of a monument
unfortunately confirms the relative denunciations AKEL had made some seven months ago.

This decision is a continuation of the attempts of the Anastasiades-DISY government to distort the historical reality, glorify the activity of EOKA B and to turn Grivas into a hero. The decision equates all those who turned their weapons against the democratic legality with those who gave their lives for the defence of democracy. This is an extremely provocative decision which clashes with the democratic feelings and sensitivities of the vast majority of our people.

AKEL condemns in the strongest possible terms the government’s decision, which seems not to have any inhibitions whatsoever in provoking an unnecessary and highly damaging division at a time when everyone’s attention should be focused on the great challenges facing our country. In every case, AKEL, fully aware of its responsibility towards those who have passed away and especially towards the future generations, clarifies in every direction that it will do everything possible not to allow the construction of a “heroes” monument to anyone who acted against democracy and constitutional legality. We call on the rest of the political forces, who also reject the government’s provocation, to hold joint initiatives to prevent the government’s machinations and schemings.