ATHENS – “On this date, 53 years ago, the coup d’etat of April 21 led to one of darkest periods of modern Greek history and resulted in the national tragedy of Cyprus,” said ruling New Democracy (ND) in an announcement on Tuesday for the anniversary of the 1967 Greek military coup, which established a seven-year dictatorship.

ND underlined that “we all have a duty to pass on to younger generations the memory of this dark anniversary, so that our country never experiences such adventures again.” The party also noted the duty “to honour the heroes that resisted throughout the seven-year junta, defending democracy and freedom.”

Concluding, the party’s announcement said: “Today we are struggling to strengthen Democracy and its institutions while fighting for to isolate the divisive speech, populism and demagoguery that undermine it. With these ingredients we will address the challenges of today and we will be led to a safe future of prosperity and progress for all Greeks.”