The decision of the Archbishop to go to the Turkish inauguration caused annoyance and discomfort to Nikos Anastasiadis. The decision taken by the Archbishop, forced Nikos Anastasiadis to cancel the meeting with him as a sign of disapproval.
According to ANT1 sources, the President of the Republic of Cyprus is well informed and is very upset by the Archbishop's choice to attend an event of the pseudo-state.
The Greek government expresses the same discomfort. The Foreign Minister tried to prevent the decision taken by Archbishop Elpidoforos, sounding the alarm bell, that there will be many reactions if he goes to the Turkish inauguration. This decision was considered as a betrayal or recognition of the pseudo-state that may take advantage of this event that took place around Archbishop Elpidoforos for the benefit of Turkey.
After the uproar over Archbishop Elpidoforos, he decided to give the reasons why he went to the Turkish inauguration and gave explanations for this action: "Mr. Elpidoforos talks and will talk to officials of Turkey, like any other country, as part of his efforts to support the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Ecumenical Orthodoxy, and will take every opportunity to vigorously support the institution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the opening of the Halki Theological Seminary, the rights of the and a viable solution to the Cyprus problem, based on UN resolutions ".
However, the Greek Cypriot side criticizes the presence of Archbishop Elpidoforos at the Turkish inauguration as unacceptable. However, the occupying leader Ersin Tatar took a stand and criticized the reactions of the Greek Cypriots, saying that "politically motivated actions show the level of fanaticism and intolerance of the Greek and Cypriot sides."
The T / C leader also states that not only Archbishop Elpidoforos was invited, but also many international leaders, including the Secretary General and the UN: "While the presence of representatives of the two largest monotheistic religions in people in this ceremony ", adds E. Tatar," is indicative for the attitude of the duo of Greeks - E / k their action to cancel their meetings with the Archbishop of America ".
The occupying leader also added that: "At a time when an effort is being made for an agreement in Cyprus, it is obvious that such attitudes, which will deepen the mistrust between the two peoples, will harm these efforts."
Thus, in the midst of the reactions that took place in the person of Archbishop Elpidoforos, he states that: and Tenedia, due to another escalation of the Cyprus issue in the 70's. I have grown up with this pain, that is why I understand the pain of our Cypriot brothers, as well as their feelings and reactions. I consider them expressions of pain of people who lost everything: property, homelands, dreams, family, relatives ".
He also tells us about his presence at Monday's event: "It could never be a recognition of a calamity, a refugee, an occupation. My presence has always had the same consistent orientation: honest and courageous dialogue, for a future with peace and protection of religious freedom. We are all united in defending our national interests, each in his own way and with his own role. But united, committed to the same goal. "
He notes that he regrets that he inadvertently caused pain and sorrow to Cypriots and Greek-Americans: "I sincerely regret the pain I inadvertently caused to my Cypriot and Greek-American brothers, especially to my beloved flock. "I pray for a just and lasting solution to be found in the martyrdom of Cyprus, as the Cypriot people expect it, based on international law and the protection of human rights, in accordance with UN resolutions, and I work for this purpose."
Finally, he ends up telling us that: "our unity is my ministry and my debt" and considers that the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, is a century next to the ubiquitous Hellenism defending its expectations.
In a statement, the Federation of Cypriot Organizations of America states that: "His decision to attend the inauguration, in the presence of Tatar, provokes and is not in line with the interests, principles and values of the Greek Cypriot Community and Cyprus."
The president of the Center for International and European Affairs of the University of Cyprus also tells us in a statement that: "At some point he would like to claim the throne of the Ecumenical Patriarch. "If he did not have the intention in mind, he could also denounce Turkey, despite the fact that he is a Turkish citizen, if he does not return."
photo and article sources
2. ant1.com
3. ekirikas.com
