On the occasion of the 54 years since the declaration and establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, I address the Cyprus people to express the deepest feelings of appreciation, respect and honour.
At the same time, I pay tribute to the leaders and fighters of the 1955-59 era, the law enforcement officers and the volunteers who defended the existence of the Republic of Cyprus in 1963-64, and all those who defended the Republic and the homeland during the coup and the Turkish invasion, contributing with their sacrifice to the defense of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.
This year’s 54th anniversary of the declaration of the Republic of Cyprus finds our homeland striving, under particularly difficult conditions, in order to deal with the consequences of the continuing Turkish invasion and occupation on the one hand and the disaster caused by the economic crisis on the other.
We are undoubtedly experiencing a critical period. The accumulated challenges on a national, economic and social level leave us with no other option than constant vigilance.
We now bear the cost of longstanding problems, the system’s problems, the indecisiveness and fear to take responsibility in the past, as well as political weaknesses, wrong strategic choices and prejudices that led our country on the verge of destruction.
It is time to acknowledge our mistakes, before the citizens, through self-awareness, self-criticism and courage. To acknowledge the reasons why our country went from a place of prosperity, stability, security and safety to being on the brink of economic but also national bankruptcy.
Despite the vast problems we are facing and the pressing needs caused by the current political and economic conditions, I am certain that we will overcome the obstacles and return to conditions of growth and progress, free from the ills of the past.
We have already recorded the first, but ample, positive results which confirm that Cyprus is on the right track.
I have absolute confidence in the will, conscientiousness, patriotism, and diligence of our people, and I have no doubt that we will succeed, like we did in the past. It is up to us, by ourselves, to determine the present and the future of our homeland.
Compatriots,
Through coordinated actions and a specific strategy, we are working towards transforming Cyprus into a modern, reliable and European country. A country that will be playing a key role in the very important and sensitive area of the East Mediterranean.
A country that will lead the effort for cooperation, peace and stability.
Forty years are completed this year, since the Turkish invasion and the continuous occupation of our country.
We are working for the achievement of a solution that will end the occupation and will ensure the human rights and the fundamental freedoms of all legal citizens. A functional and viable solution that will reunite the people, the country and the institutions, on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, as foreseen by the High Level Agreements, the relevant UN resolutions, the principles of the European Union and the Joint Declaration of 11 February.
Through persistent efforts, we have created the conditions for undertaking a process, without restrictive timetables and arbitration, which will lead to the termination of the unacceptable status quo of occupation.
I would like to hope that the international interest and the activity that is observed will create the prospects for the achievement of our goals.
Addressing our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, I would like to send the message that, while they should consider our sincere wish and determination for finding a solution as given, they should not expect that it would ever be possible for us to accept a solution that will not meet the expectations of the Greek Cypriots, or that will make the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots second-class citizens of the EU. Besides, the dangers from the unacceptable prevalent state of affairs do not concern only the Greek Cypriots, but the Turkish Cypriots themselves as well.
At the same time, I call on the Turkish Government to respond and contribute substantially, through specific actions, to the effort made for the solution of the Cyprus problem.
Compatriots,
Let the 54th anniversary of the Independence be the beginning of a new era and course, which will set the foundations for the Cyprus of tomorrow and allow the new generations to live and create together under conditions of safety, development, prosperity and peace.
Happy Anniversary.