Mr. Speaker, this Oxi Day, we pay tribute to the courage of Greece, the cradle of democracy, for standing strong against tyranny.
Eight-four years ago, in 1940, a resolute “no”, “oxi”, from Greece's Prime Minister Metaxas to the Axis Powers' ultimatum was a choice to protect Greece's sovereignty and democratic ideals from Fascist and Nazi tyranny that had swept over Europe.
This stance was not only a military decision but also a powerful moral one. Greece, with its rich democratic heritage, became a beacon of resistance, reminding nations everywhere of the profound cost and importance of liberty. In a world overshadowed by authoritarian regimes, Greece's defiance in history reminds us of the importance of protecting both freedom and democracy.
Today, we celebrate an act of bravery and an enduring commitment to the values we all cherish.
[Member spoke in Greek]