Anastasiades government’s insult to the memory of the heroes of democratic resistance against the fascist coup d’etat

 

Statement of Georgos Loucaides, AKEL C.C. Press Spokesperson

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 6th April 2015, Nicosia

AKEL returns to the issue of the building of a “heroes” monument for the commandos who died in their attack against the Presidential Palace on the day of the execution of the coup d’état, an attack aiming at the murder and coupist overthrow of Archbishop Makarios III.

Reliable information we have received and that cannot be disputed, confirms the press reports that not only has a decision been taken to erect a “heroes” monument, but that it is in the final stage of tenders for its construction at the Constantinou and Eleni cemetry.

AKEL reiterates that this action provokes in a detestable way the democratic sentiments of the overwhelming majority of the Cypriot people. We do not know of any precedent in world history where an attempt has been made to turn into heroes and glorify persons who demonstrably participated in any way in criminal, unconstitutional and coupist actions. Heroic deeds, all over the world, are considered as those acts which represent an example for a society. Is this what is ultimately being pursued by the instigators and accomplices of this condemnable action? Do the instigators and accomplices of this condemnable action want the younger generations to follow the example of the commando units and take up arms against democracy and their homeland?

We urge the government and the leadership of the Church to clarify whether they accept and support this provocative action; an act which is an insult to the memory of the true heroes who fell sacrificing their lives defending the homeland and democracy; an act that is attempting to distort the historical truth about events, which our people are still suffering from.

We call on all those involved to immediately cease the attempt to erect the monument, since otherwise they will be solely responsible for the resurgence of the division of our people, with all the negative consequences that this would result in. If not, then they will find AKEL fiercely confronting them, using all lawful means at its disposal to prevent the construction of the monument.