Cyprus president commemorates Eoka anniversary

On April 1, 2026, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides attended memorial services in Nicosia to mark the anniversary of the 1955-1959 Eoka liberation struggle against British colonial rule. During ceremonies at the Imprisoned Graves and Apostolos Varnavas Cathedral, the President emphasized the necessity of teaching the history of the campaign to younger generations. Eoka, established by General George Grivas, aimed for the independence of Cyprus and eventual union with Greece, a period marked by both anti-colonial violence and intercommunal clashes with the Turkish resistance organization (TMT). President Christodoulides argued that historical knowledge is vital for national identity and asserted that recognizing this history does not hinder current efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem. He maintained that a sustainable solution depends on respect for historical identity rather than self-negation. Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis echoed these sentiments, noting the state's duty to honor the sacrifices made during that era. The commemoration serves as a reminder of the origins of the Republic of Cyprus, which the government views as its most significant achievement.