The Greek Contingent in Cyprus (ELDYK) is committed to defending the values of freedom, independence and justice based on international law, the Prime Minister of Greece Alexis Tsipras has stressed, during his visit to ELDYK`s military camp in Malounta, a village in Nicosia district.
Accompanied by the Minister of Defence Christoforos Fokaides and the Ambassador of Cyprus in Athens Kyriakos Kenevezos, Tsipras visited the military camp and was briefed by the commander of the camp on various problems and the potential of the unit.
Tsipras laid a wreath at the memorial located in the camp as ELDYK`s contingent and its Military Band paid tribute.
Speaking to the soldiers, Tsipras told them that they are serving the military in an historic Guard.
“You are serving principles because our country adheres to principles such as freedom, independence and justice. The Greek Contingent of Cyprus is committed to defending here in Cyprus these values on the basis of international law”, he pointed out.
After his visit to the camp, Tsipras headed to Larnaka airport and departed for Rome.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Numerous UN-backed negotiations with the aim to reunite the island under a federal roof, have not yet yielded result.
ELDYK, the Greek contingent, arrives on the island following an agreement in 1960 to grant Cyprus its independence from British colonial rule. According to the Constitution, the contingent comprises 650 soldiers. The Constitution also provided for a Turkish contingent of 950 persons.
CNA/TKE/MM/2015
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY