Greek schools will be celebrate Eoka Day on April 1 for the first time, commemorating the 1955-1959 uprising of Cypriots against British colonial rule and the bid to unify with Greece, after a decision by Greek Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki.

The Greek education ministry is expected to issue a circular on Monday, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou said.

Speaking before a cabinet meeting on Monday, Michaelidou said “this was an issue we raised from the beginning of our administration.

“We are particularly satisfied and touched by this decision,” Michaelidou added.

She said the government has prepared educational material to be sent to Greece for use in schools.

Speaking at an event on Sunday, President Nikos Christodoulides welcomed the Greek government’s decision, saying “it was something we pursued from the first day of our government.”

He also congratulated Michaelidou for her successful efforts in this direction.

The decision has already been welcomed by House president and Disy leader Annita Demetriou, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, Disy MEP Michalis Hadjipantela and Diko.