President Nicos Anastasiades has reiterated once again that we cannot accept guarantees and the presence of foreign armies in Cyprus, pointing out that if we do not address the pending issues in the negotiations, it is not possible to reach a solution.

President Anastasiades attended a formal dinner on Friday night in NYC hosted by the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations.

The dinner was also attended by Greek FM Nikos Kotzias, Cyprus FM Ioannis Kasoulides, Cyprus Government Spokesman Nicos Christodoulides and other top officials from Cyprus and Greece.

President Anastasiades briefed the participants on the course of UN-backed talks for a Cyprus solution, pointing out that we are before crucial developments and important dilemmas.

The President said that there was significant progress in some chapters and issues related to human rights, governance, economy and EU however there is stagnation in some issues as well. He underlined that there are certain problems which need to be addressed and resolved in order to reach a solution that will meet the concerns of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

The President pointed out that we struggle to reach a solution that will respect and safeguard the human rights of both communities and does not create winners or losers.

He said that everyone needs to understand that Turkish Cypriot community is secured through a painful compromise and through the new structures of the new state that will be evolved.

Cyprus President said that the bizonal federation creates the conditions so that each community has its one administration but the central state has a power that cannot be neglected, with one single international personality, a single sovereignty and a single citizenship.

He pointed out that he cannot see some argue that Turkey must continue to maintain troops in Cyprus, in the post solution era, or to have guarantee rights.

The President underlined that in a modern European state the citizens do not need third parties to act as guarantors. He also called on everyone in the international community who is interested in the Cyprus solution, to realise that they must serve the interest for a just, viable and functional solution, adding that the Cyprus issue must not be used in order to meet broader interests.

He assured the Cyprus diaspora that he has the strength, determination and to struggle tirelessly for the reunification of our country and the termination of foreign occupation.
He said that our country must be sovereign and truly independent, a modern European state in which all basic freedoms and rights are guaranteed for all its citizens.

President Anastasiades also pointed out that one needs to know what is the best interest for his country, to dare to make decisions but also to be able to renounce any threats and suggestions.

He also expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the Diaspora in order to reunite our island.
Greek FM Nikos Kotzias in a brief address, said that a solution cannot include guarantees and foreign troops. He said that we must work for a just solution with all the human rights respected where Cyprus will be an independent, sovereign country with no foreign guarantees and occupation armies.

During the dinner, the Diaspora presented Cypriot Chrysostomos Nikias, the President of the University of Southern California with an award.

President Anastasiades and Mustafa Akinci the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, have been engaged in peace talks under the UN aegis with the aim to find a solution to the Cyprus problem. The island has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

Anastasiades and Akinci are set to meet the UNSG Ban-Ki Moon in New York on September 25.