The government has called for unity on the home front, noting the various challenges the country will face in 2012 vis-a-vis developments in the Cyprus issue, the Presidency of the European Council and the economy. Addressing an event of the Union of Cyprus Journalists, in Nicosia, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said 2012 is expected to be a difficult year for Cyprus and the world, as was 2011, urging everybody to be ready to confront the challenges ahead.

“Unity among the political forces is undoubtedly the first such challenge,” Stephanou pointed out, adding that differences among political parties will continue to exist. However, he said, diversity of opinion should lead to a joint effort to underpin the interests of the people and the country.

Speaking on the outstanding challenges, Stephanou referred to the upcoming second meeting at Greentree, New York, between the UN Secretary-General, Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader.

“We are confronted with Turkey’s negative stance and increased intransigence by the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Dervis Eroglu” the Government Spokesman said, as he explained the reasons for the lack of a breakthrough in the Cyprus peace talks, aiming at a bizonal bicommunal federation. This lack of progress does not discourage President Christofias, who continues his effort to make headway towards a solution, he stressed.

Stephanou went on by saying that later this year the country will assume the Presidency of the European Council, an effort for which Cyprus is preparing intensively. Success in this endeavor, he added, will be success for Cyprus and its people, while failure will be a failure for the country and for all of us.