President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias sent a message of unity to the people of Cyprus on Friday, during the ceremony of affirmation of the new Ministers of the Government.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Christofias said that Cyprus is going through crucial times and assured that efforts to solve the Cyprus problem would continue and that the Government would take all necessary measures to tackle the financial situation.

He added that everyone should be patient so that the truth could shine regarding the deadly explosion of munitions at the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base, the shockwave of which destroyed the island`s main power station, and those responsible are held accountable.

President Christofias congratulated the new Ministers and thanked the outgoing Cabinet, noting that “our homeland is going through crucial times“ and that it was necessary to work towards the solution of the Cyprus issue and the reunification of the island, to take measures to tackle the consequences of the global financial crisis and the tragic event at the Naval Base, to fulfill duties concerning Cyprus` EU presidency in the second half of 2012, and to restore the energy balance, inter alia.

He said that overcoming the difficulties demanded unity and that he would continue to carry out his duties as President of the Republic.

The new Council of Ministers comprises:

Minister of Foreign Affairs – Erato Kozakou Markoullis
Minister of Finance – Kikis Kazamias
Minister of Interior – Neoclis Sylikiotis
Minister of Defence – Demetris Eliades
Minister of Education and Culture – Giorgos Demosthenous
Minister of Communications and Works – Efthymios Flourentzos
Minister of Commerce Industry and Tourism – Praxoulla Antoniadou
Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment – Sofoklis Aletraris
Minister of Labour and Social Insurance – Sotiroulla Charalambous
Minister of Justice and Public Order – Loukas Louka
Minister of Health – Stavros Malas