It is my distinct honour and privilege to communicate with the Cypriot community in the United Kingdom as we mark with pride the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus.

I wish that the situation was different and that I could have welcomed you to the High Commission to celebrate this milestone together and in person. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic, which remains a serious threat, precludes this as we all must do our part to be safe and keep others safe too. I am particularly aware that the virus has hit our community hard and its consequences have been felt directly or indirectly by everyone. To the members of our community who have lost loved ones, I express my deepest condolences. And to those who are ill or hospitalised, I wish you a speedy recovery. The virus is also keeping many of us apart from family and loved ones. Please know that the High Commission is and will remain by your side during these difficult times.

Cypriots can always rely on each other. It is one of the great qualities and virtues that make the Cypriot people resilient in the face of adversity and challenge. From all corners of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Cypriot community, through its continuous efforts, remains a crucial partner in our overall efforts to find a just, lasting and functional settlement that reunites the island and its people in a bizonal, bicommunal federation and brings an end to the illegal Turkish occupation and violation of the human rights of the Cypriot people.

The Republic of Cyprus was itself established through international law 60 years ago and it will always uphold law and legality and seek the settlement of any differences through peaceful means. As President Anastasiades stated in his address to the 75th UN General Assembly last week, relations amongst countries must be governed by rules and not force.

Regrettably, Turkey’s posture and actions, as seen through its provocative and illegal behaviour in Cypriot waters and its stated plans to reopen and resettle Varosha, which would violate UN Security Council resolutions, do not facilitate the necessary climate for meaningful negotiations. Such actions damage the prospects for a solution.

We, on the other hand, as President Anastasiades reiterated many times, most recently in his address to the UN General Assembly, are committed and ready to restart negotiations from where they were left off at Crans Montana. Our focus is to see to a future that is firmly anchored on peace, stability, security, human rights and the opportunities that all Cypriots will benefit from with a just, viable and functional settlement, both now and for future generations.

Much has changed since Cyprus gained its independence in 1960. It has gone through many transformations: From an exporter of minerals and agricultural products to an exporter of manufactured goods to a vibrant international tourism, business and services centre and an integral part of the European Union mosaic since 2004. It has discovered hydrocarbons and has amplified its role and value added in the region through an active foreign policy that has put into sharper focus the potential for synergies in our region and the important contribution to our goal of promoting peace, stability and prosperity. This is the Cyprus of 2020 and we have much to be proud of and you can only imagine what more a reunited Cyprus could do.

As we celebrate today the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, we also celebrate its people, whether on the island or part of its vibrant and successful diaspora. Because after all, Cyprus is its people.

I personally thank you all for always supporting us at the High Commission and invite you to join our innovative celebration this year, by following our Cyprus@60 online festival, which launched today.

My best wishes to each and every one of you, your families and loved ones.

Andreas S. Kakouris

Cyprus High Commissioner in the UK