THE ARMED FORCES DECLARATION – 7/15/1974
Greek Cypriot People,
The tragic situation created in the last months on the Island, which leads directly to civil strife, the unrest caused in the bosom of the Church and the evident danger of the Armed Forces falling into the hands of anarchist and criminal elements with unspecified consequences for the future of Cyprus, led the Armed Forces to the decision to remove those responsible for the anomaly, namely the President of the Republic and his Government, who, usurping power for a long time without the free will of the Greek Cypriot People, make every legitimate and illegitimate effort to proclaim the already created personal regime.
The Armed Forces will temporarily entrust the governance of the Island to the Government of National Salvation.
The main objectives of the New Government will be:
1) The restoration of the mental unity of Cypriot Hellenism and of peace within the Church.
2) The continuation of the initiated process of solving the Cyprus problem through intercommunal talks.
3) The solution of the vital problems of the People which has been neglected for a long time in the sole effort of the rulers to strengthen their personal regime, with the result that the delay in all sectors is evident.
4) The announcement of free elections as soon as the necessary conditions for this are created and within a period of no more than a year, to give the right to the Greek Cypriot people to express their will and to choose a Government of their choice through free elections and not through acclamation.
The foreign policy will not change in any way, our friendly relations with the other states and the non-aligned foreign policy until now will be maintained.
A basic condition for the success of the above is the maintenance of order and calm, which the Armed Forces are firmly determined to achieve.
Cypriot Hellenism is called upon, rising above contradictions and bad memories of the past, to show understanding and support towards the Government of National Salvation, rallying around it, confident that it thus ensures a bright future.
Long live the Greek Cypriot