Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanoli has delivered an address in Chlorakas marking Greece’s March 25, 1821 independence anniversary and the April 1, 1955 start of the EOKA anti‑colonial uprising in Cyprus.
Speaking on behalf of President Nikos Christodoulides, Hadjimanoli said both anniversaries are linked by a “common ideal — the struggle for freedom.” She noted that the heroes of 1821 inspired the EOKA fighters more than a century later.
She highlighted Chlorakas’ symbolic role as the landing point for EOKA leader Georgios Grivas‑Digenis and the first clandestine arms shipments, describing the village as “the birthplace of the desire for freedom.”
Hadjimanoli said the 1955–59 uprising instilled hope across Cyprus and was marked by sacrifice, courage and unity. The fighters, she said, were ordinary people who placed the common good above personal interest.
She stressed that the legacy of both struggles remains relevant, serving as a “compass of values” for future generations and a reminder that freedom must be defended through responsibility and collective effort.
Turning to the present, Hadjimanoli said Cyprus continues to live with the consequences of division as the EU’s only partially occupied member state. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restarting reunification talks and welcomed the UN secretary‑general’s recent engagement with President Christodoulides.
She added that Cyprus is navigating a complex regional environment by leveraging its EU membership and strong diplomatic ties, aiming to be “part of the solution, never part of the problem.”
Hadjimanoli concluded by urging Cypriots to draw strength from the struggles of 1821 and 1955, saying the country must continue working toward freedom, stability and reunification while investing in education, culture and democratic values.