President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades outlined his vision for harmonious development throughout the island, on the basis of peaceful coexistence, and noted that, despite all disagreements, prudence and unity are essential. Speaking on Saturday at the inauguration ceremony of the reconstructed old harbour of Limassol, on the southern coast of Cyprus, the President of the Republic underlined the importance of steadily regaining the country`s credibility, through careful planning, in order to create the conditions that will lead to further growth.

 

“What I envision – after also having met with a Turkish Cypriot classmate on my way here – is harmonious development throughout Cyprus, and creating the conditions that will truly allow us to live together in peace” in order to have a country “for which we will all feel proud”, the President underlined.

 

He also sent the message that unity among all is particularly important, aiming always at what is best for the country and for the generations to follow.

 

Speaking on the project, President Anastasiades said that the old harbour is now being reconnected with the surrounding area and the city`s historical and commercial centre, and thanked the Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA) and local authorities for their efforts to turn Limassol into this “unique Mediterranean city”.

 

CPA President Eleftherios Hadjizacharia said in his speech that works began in 2010 and were completed in 2014, with a cost of almost €17 mln. Apart from reconstruction works, the project also includes new buildings, and cultural and shopping venues.

 

Limassol Mayor Andreas Christou said this was an important moment in the city`s history and spoke of “one of the most beautiful projects in the past few years in Cyprus”.

 

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Peace talks are currently underway to find a negotiated settlement that will reunify the country under a federal roof.

 

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