The first four volumes of the Cyprus File, containing evidence and other material collected by the House of Representatives and the Hellenic Parliament regarding events that shook the island in 1974, were presented today to the President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and political party leaders by the President of the House of Representatives, Demetris Syllouris.
 
During a meeting with Syllouris, at the Presidential Palace, President Anastasiades expressed hope that the material will contribute to knowledge and reflection around these events, while referring to the tragic outcome every time Hellenism appeared to be divided.
 
Handing over the material, Syllouris said that the chapter closes today, regarding a possible cover-up of evidence over Cyprus’ dramatic events.
 
He added that the files contain unedited material and nothing has been removed from the testimonies. The file has been made public and everybody can study it and draw their conclusions, Syllouris noted.
  
On his part, President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades expressed his satisfaction that it was made possible to present this important chapter in the history of Cyprus to the wider public.
  
He noted the effort of the Cyprus House of Representatives, in cooperation with the Hellenic Parliament, at the initiative of former House President Yiannakis Omirou, followed by the current incumbent, Demetris Syllouris.
 
President Anastasiades said that the message is that every time Hellenism appears to be divided, the outcome is tragic and referred to the tragedies that took place in Cyprus, in Asia Minor and elsewhere.
 
I hope the file becomes the foundation for knowledge and future actions, the President concluded.
 
Speaking later at the House of Representatives, where he presented the Cyprus File to party leaders or their representatives, Syllouris assured that the next volumes will follow suit at a quick pace.
 
“There has been no alteration. Everything will be published word for word and therefore everybody will be able to study the material and draw their own conclusions” he added, noting that the House of Representatives and the Hellenic Parliament do not adopt the content.
 
Syllouris also urged people in possession of material in their private archives to come forward and give it to the House of Representatives or the Hellenic Parliament.
 
He thanked finally his Greek counterpart Nikos Voutsis for the work done by the two legislative bodies.
 
The Cyprus File was presented by Voutsis to the President and the Prime Minister of Greece on October 24, in Athens.
 
According to an announcement by the House of Representatives, the first four volumes are over 2,100 pages long. In its entirety, the edition will include 20-25 additional volumes, according to an estimate. The House of Representatives and the Hellenic Parliament are co-publishers.
 
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Prior to the invasion, the then military junta ruling Greece engineered a coup against the legal government of the Republic of Cyprus.