The Republic of Cyprus is part of the solution and never part of the problem, as are all those who are disturbed by our actions said President Nikos Christodoulides Sunday, addressing an event in honor of all those who fought and sacrificed their lives to defend their homeland during the 1963-64 period of intercommunal violence between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
President Christodoulides said that Cyprus, which proudly assumed the EU Presidency January 1st, is on a course of responsibility and has an active role in the region, despite the annoyance displayed by some.
He said that Cyprus is a pillar of security and stability in the wider region that has particular geostrategic importance.
Cyprus President also referred to Turkey’s divisive plans on the island, resulting to the illegal invasion and occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic.
He reiterated his government’s absolute commitment to the struggle for liberation and reunification of our homeland, noting that the unacceptable and unsustainable status quo is not in favor of our people and of the future of the country.
The President also said that since the day he assumed office he follows a specific strategy to restore the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and reunite the island.
He also noted that in parallel with the efforts to end the occupation, which is the highest priority, we are working to strengthen all the factors of power at home and abroad. President Christodoulides referred, among other things, to the effort for a strong and resilient economy, modernization of the state, and addressing immigration in order to strengthen the deterrent power of the country.
At the international level, he said that the Cyprus is a hub of stability, a transit spot for the safe evacuation of civilians, a corridor for the transport of humanitarian aid and a beacon of peace and cooperation.
In his speech, the President praised the sacrifice of all the volunteers who defended the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus in the 1963-64 period and referred to the importance of the effort to locate and register all the volunteers, which record approximately 12,000, in order to fulfill our debt to the country.
He said that this would be a symbolic but significant recognition of the contribution of each one of these volunteers, pointing out that our gratitude will forever accompany the memory of all the patriots, of whom we are rightfully proud.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.