Businessman John Christodoulou responded to comments made by Christos Stylianides, the Cypriot Minister of Shipping in Greece, regarding the status of Cyprus. During a parliamentary session in Greece, Stylianides made a contentious remark that “half of Cyprus is already Turkish,” which has since ignited a wave of backlash.Christodoulou took to the social media platform X to express his dismay and disappointment in Stylianides’ statement, stating, “Allow me to tell you something, Mr. Christos Stylianides: We need Cyprus to stay strong. I feel pity for you and for what you said. A man in your position and with your experience should know better. Nobody should get bullied in this world. We do not accept getting bullied by the Turkish Government. God forbid. If we lose our beloved island – Cyprus, against whom do you think the Turks will come after next? Are you working with us, or against us? Are there any hidden reasons why you speak like this? We need to know.”Moreover, Christodoulou directly addressed the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, questioning the representation of Greece by Stylianides: “Do you really want Greece to be represented by this person? The words we have heard from him are poisoned.”The controversy stems from Stilianidis’ speech in the Greek Parliament, where he opposed the notion of engaging in battles that could risk losing more of Cyprus, similar to the events of 1974. He said, “If some imply a different type of battle like the battles fought by the junta and lost half of Cyprus then I am against it. Because I grew up with the green line and I know what it means for battles to be fought just as fake battles. Because Hellenism has no more margins in Cyprus. Half of Cyprus is already Turkish.”Stylianides further argued for prudent battles that acknowledge the power dynamics, to safeguard Cypriot Hellenism. He stated, “The common battles of Hellenism to ensure the survival of Cypriot Hellenism in Cyprus must be wise battles with an awareness of the balance of power. Because of what happened in ’74 and what I implied if some believe they will deny the realistic reality then not only is Cypriot Hellenism in danger but it will face tough dilemmas and unfortunately Hellenism – as has happened in other tragedies – will face a new national tragedy.”Following the outcry and demands by the opposition in the Greek Parliament for the removal of these remarks from the official record, Stylianides clarified his position, asserting that his statement had been previously expressed in the Cypriot Parliament without inciting reactions.He defended his patriotism and commitment to Cyprus, stating, “Some considered that I conceded half of Cyprus to Turkey. Those who know me, know my struggles for my homeland. My phrase was in quotation marks and I believe it will be recorded in the minutes like that.”
Allow me to tell you something, Mr. Christos Stylianides: We need Cyprus to stay strong.
I feel pity for you and for what you said. A man in your position and with your experience, should know better.
Nobody should get bullied in this world.
We do not accept getting bullied by… pic.twitter.com/ootMZ7wBxD— John Christodoulou 🇨🇾 (@YianisCY) February 21, 2024