Friday marked the 61st anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus’ independence.
Speaking at an annual military parade, Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades said he would be happier if Turkish Cypriots were present at the celebrations, while expressing a wish that in the future such events will be commemorated on a free-of-occupation island.
The Greek government was represented by the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, who was accompanied by the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff Gen. Konstantinos Floros.
Earlier, the Cypriot president paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s liberation.