Cyprus celebrates independence anniversary

The Republic of Cyprus celebrated the 62nd anniversary since the declaration of its independence from British rule on Saturday with a military parade in capital Nicosia.

“We honor everyone that fought for our homeland and we remain focused on the liberation and reunification of our land,” President Nicos Anastasiades said in a tweet on Saturday.

The parade was attended by the island nation’s political, religious and military leadership. The Greek government was represented by Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos and the head of the Hellenic Armed Forces, General Konstantinos Floros.

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said in a statement: “We honor the anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus and the memory of the heroes of Cypriot Hellenism, who gave their lives for freedom. We are always on the side of Cyprus to end the illegal Turkish occupation.”