“Extreme positions aimed at the two states, with the division of our homeland, are not and should not be the choice of any Cypriot patriot,” said the President of Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Anastasiadis.
In his sermon on the occasion of 61st anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Anastasiadis stated:
“On the occasion of the 61st anniversary of the proclamation and establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, I address the Cypriot people to express their deepest feelings of appreciation, respect and honor. I pay tribute of honor and gratitude to those who fought and gave their lives for liberation from the colonial yoke, to those who fought for the defense of the Republic of Cyprus and the democratic legitimacy in our country. Reviewing the path we have followed so far, we can be proud of what we have achieved since then, but at the same time unhappy because for 47 years, our small homeland remains under occupation with the risk of final division. We are proud, because as a result of the diligent work of the Cypriot citizens and the respective government initiatives, we have managed to transform a poor and underdeveloped colony into a modern European state. At the age of 61, we recorded leaps and bounds, but we also made fatal mistakes. And my reference is not limited to one, but to both communities. Unfortunately, the obsessions and perceptions that were consolidated over time, did not allow faith in the newly formed state. The interventions of those who undertook to guarantee the constitutional order and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus also contributed to this. Four years after independence, the Republic of Cyprus received its first blow. As a result of the bloody Turkish plans and challenges, we were led to the departure of the Turkish Cypriot officials from the Government, but also to the first inter-communal riots. Attempts to overthrow the state by Turkey and those carrying out its orders failed after the United Nations recognized the legitimacy of the state and its government. Unfortunately, what followed, the ongoing interventions prevented the improvement of the Constitution and the return of the Turkish Cypriots to the structures of the state, while the discord between the Greek Cypriots led to the illegality and coup d’etat of the Athens junta resulting in continued invasion and occupation.
Compatriots, for 47 years, the efforts of the Greek Cypriot side with painful retreats, have not managed to change the Turkish plans, which to this day remain unchanged with the aim of dividing and creating a Turkish protectorate in Cyprus. Nevertheless, our persistence does not bend, because the fate of the occupation cannot and should not be the fate of the Cypriots. Continuing the effort of my predecessors, from the first day of taking office, I sought in every possible way, utilizing all the possibilities provided, to reverse the current situation and achieve the reunification of our homeland. A solution that will not leave winners or losers, will respect the concerns and particularities of both communities, will protect fundamental freedoms and will respect the human rights of all Cypriot citizens. A solution based on high-level agreements, UN resolutions and the principles and values of the European Union.
That will not overthrow the Republic of Cyprus, but through its evolution will lead to a federal system of government, away from anachronistic systems of guarantees or any form of dependence on third parties. In order to avoid the painful experiences of the past, what we seek is to ensure the functioning of the state that will guarantee a secure and creative future for all the legal citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. With these positions, I participated in the tripartite meeting convened by the UN Secretary General last week in New York. Unfortunately, for the umpteenth time, the intransigence and unreliability of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leadership has been established. Insist on refusing to resume talks, unless they are recognized in advance as sovereign and equal to the Republic of Cyprus. Equally provocative was the withdrawal from what had been agreed following a proposal by the Secretary-General for the appointment of a Special Envoy.
Turkish Cypriot compatriots, my respect for the Turkish Cypriot community is demonstrated by the Government’s policies towards the Turkish Cypriots, but also by the proposals that I have submitted and are submitting in order for the solution to meet your own concerns and expectations. Extreme positions aimed at the two states, with the division of our homeland, are not and should not be the choice of any Cypriot patriot. The European Union, of which our common homeland is a member, is the only one that can ensure peaceful coexistence, respect for human rights and the prospect of a secure future for us and future generations.
Compatriots, after 61 years of life, I am proud that the Republic of Cyprus has managed not only to survive but, most importantly, to be today a modern well-coordinated European state. A financially sound state that addresses existing weaknesses by adopting anti-corruption measures, improving health, welfare, justice, public administration, local government systems, with modernizing cuts. A state that through the web of transnational alliances is a pillar of stability and peace.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Republic of Cyprus is the creation of freedom fighters, defenders of the rule of law and democracy. It is the result of the hard work, creativity and sacrifices of each of you, for this and all together we must work for its liberation and its extreme advancement.
Happy Birthday”.
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