Education Minister emphasizes historical lessons on Ochi Day anniversary

On October 27 and 28, 2026, the Cypriot Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, Athena Michaelidou, marked the anniversary of Ochi Day (October 28, 1940) by drawing parallels between the historical resistance of the Greek people against totalitarianism and the current struggle of Cyprus. During commemorative events at the Pancyprian Gymnasium in Nicosia and the Omonia Aradippou club, the Minister emphasized that the epic of 1940 remains a significant moment for Hellenism, reflecting a spirit of unity and resistance.

Minister Michaelidou stated that for over 52 years, Cyprus has suffered the consequences of the 1974 Turkish invasion and continued occupation. She asserted that Cyprus' modern 'No' is a rejection of the status quo and a commitment to reunification. The Minister highlighted that President Nikos Christodoulides has made ending the occupation an absolute priority, leveraging Cyprus' European Union membership and international diplomatic alliances to restart negotiations for a just and functional solution to the Cyprus problem.