The Cyprus EU Presidency is a national cause which is of everybody’s concern, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou stated, adding that an agreement must be reached between the government and the political parties, to protect the endeavor from domestic politics.

Speaking in Limassol, during a workshop for journalists organized by the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO), in cooperation with the European Parliament Office in Cyprus, Stephanou said that the main target of the communication campaign which the PIO has undertaken, aims at raising awareness among the public, that the EU Presidency is a matter of concern for all Cypriots.

Stephanou added moreover that in order to make the Presidency a national cause, the involvement of more people is necessary. He further said that the topic should be excluded from the agenda of domestic politics, especially in light of the next Presidential elections.

Elections are scheduled for February 2013, only a few months away after the conclusion of Cyprus’ EU Presidency term.

Speaking on the challenges that lie ahead, Stephanou noted that during the Presidency, Cyprus must prove that it can meet the expectations, regardless from the country’s small size, and be able to promote the EU integration process further.

He said that the main objective of Cyprus will be to assume a mediating role in solving the various EU problems and act as an honest broker among the different views of member states. The advantage of Cyprus, he went on, is that the country has no ‘secret agenda’ and is not part of any major interest at stake in the EU.

The Government Spokesman underlined that the goals which the Republic of Cyprus is setting vis-a-vis its EU Presidency term are realistic and feasible ones. He noted finally that Cyprus has a lot to gain in raising its prestige, both within as well as outside the EU, by chairing the EU Presidency in an objective and neutral manner.