Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades has expressed the state`s pride over the dynamic contribution of the Armenian community in the political, social and economic life of the island.
According to a Press and Public Information (PIO) press release issued here tonight President Anastasiades, who was addressing an event in honour of the Armenians of Cyprus, recalled that the both peoples have fallen victim historically to the same aggressor, noting that they did not resign but rather fought and are continuing to fight in order of the great principles of justice to prevail in the international scene.
“This is why Cyprus was one of the first European countries to recognise the Armenian genocide and we have jointly condemned the perpetrators of this crime,” he said.
Referring to the Armenian community in Cyprus he said that “as a state we will always show off proudly the fact that your small community manages with its vigour to be present in all aspects of our country’s life political, social and economic.”
President Anastasiades also spoke of his vision for a free and reunified Cyprus, which will be inhabited in peace and prosperity by all Cypriot citizens: Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Armenians, Maronites and Latins.
“We aim to put an end to the occupation and we insist on working towards a just, viable and functional solution, which will not allow for a dependence on any third country,” he stressed.
To that extent he referred to the efforts last summer in the Swiss resort of Crans – Montana to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem.
“It is true that the outcomes disappointed us but there was no other alternative,” he pointed out.
According to Cyprus’ President, Turkey’s persistence in retaining anachronistic treaty of guarantee, intervention rights and a presence of Turkish troops did not allow for anything other than a rejection of these positions which therefore also resulted in the effort to conclude.
He said that he has conveyed the message to the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres that he is ready to return to the negotiating table on the internal aspects of the problem. On the international aspect he added, I have made it clear to the UN SG, our European partners and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council that a new conference on Cyprus should be well prepared so that it does not lead to disappointment.
“What we seek is mutual respect and political will from our Turkish Cypriot compatriots and Ankara both, because human rights and security are not negotiable,” he stressed.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have yet to yield results towards a political settlement that would reunite the country under a federal roof.
