Prime Minister Tony Abbott:

Cypriot Australians have made a substantial contribution to our country for many years. As part of this special edition of Neos Kosmos, we reflect on the close friendship between Cyprus and Australia.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Australia’s continuous contribution to the civilian police component of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) which was established in 1964. Their work, and the work of every peacekeeper who followed, has contributed to more peaceful communities.

I take this opportunity to reflect on the contribution that Cypriot Australians have made to our nation.

Since 1788, Australia has been an immigrant society. Successive waves of newcomers eager for a better life, including many of Cypriot and Greek heritage, have enriched our culture and added a heroic dimension to our national story.

Victorian Premier Denis Napthine:

The events of 1974 in Cyprus resulted in the displacement of thousands of Cypriots.

Despite numerous efforts, successive governments and the UN have failed to find a just solution.

The Victorian Government supports a just and lasting settlement, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Solving the Cyprus issue is important for all parties involved.

On the 40th anniversary, I hope that common sense will prevail, and all parties will acknowledge that living in harmony will be beneficial for all, and this can only be achieved by mutual respect of each other’s basic rights, culture, religion and of course, territorial integrity.

One of the major tragedies of this event was the displacement of thousands of Cypriots as refugees to all corners of the world, including Australia.

Like other refugees that have made this great state their home, Greek Cypriots have also become an integral part of our fabric and contributed significantly to the development of our State.

We are fortunate that here in Victoria communities live and work together to promote and defend our rich multicultural heritage.

The Victorian Government regards the cultural and linguistic diversity of Victorians as one of the state’s greatest assets and encourages all people to preserve, enhance and share their cultural heritage and maintain their language.

I wish all those participating in the commemorative events all the best for the future, and encourage all Victorians to continue to work cooperatively to ensure that Victoria remains Australia’s most cohesive and harmonious multicultural state.

Jenny Mikakos MP:

After 40 years, the beautiful island of Cyprus is still divided. I remember driving through the buffer zone in Nicosia. The experience will stay with me forever.

We are fortunate to live in a peaceful and democratic nation. We respect every person’s rights. We hope that every person on earth is blessed with such fortune.

I know there will come a time when both Greek and Turkish Cypriots can reach a just and lasting resolution – when they can return to living, side by side.

Peaceful co-existence in a free and democratic state would bring justice, dignity and economic prosperity for all Cypriot.

The Cypriot community in Australia strives for the reconciliation of Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

I’m grateful for their resilience and their work. Like them, I hope that I may live to see Cyprus whole again.

Jim Wood, president of the Cypriot Community of Melbourne and Victoria:

This year marks the fortieth anniversary of Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus and of the forcible division of our beautiful island.

it is a time to remind us that this is clearly an issue of invasion and occupation of an independent and sovereign country-member of the UN and of the European Union.

In our on going struggle, the Diaspora’s contribution in defending Cyprus’ sovereignty abroad has been at the very centre of our collective efforts for freedom and justice for Cyprus.

Ending the occupation and its consequences, the reunification of Cyprus through a just and viable solution, based on the UN decisions and the European acquis remains the goal of every Cypriot

Our unwavering resilience and determination will bring justice and success. We will spare no effort to re unite Cyprus
We shall not accept the fait accompli of the invasion

We wish that reconciliation, peace, prosperity and stability embrace Cyprus and that all its people can live in peace.