President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades has said that the Greek Cypriot side is ready and determined to enter into a substantive dialogue for a solution of the Cyprus problem.

“We want a solution and we are absolutely sincere and determined about it”, the President said on Sunday.

President Anastasiades further clarified that the Greek Cypriot side is not willing to resume the Cyprus talks just for the sake of a dialogue and explained that good preparation is needed so that the Cyprus talks yield results.

The proposals of the Greek Cypriot side, he said, are fully consistent with the resolutions and decisions of the United Nations and address the concerns of the Greek Cypriots, without neglecting the rights of theTurkish Cypriots.

It is our firm conviction, he stressed, that this is the only way to create the momentum required.  He expressed hope that the Turkish Cypriot side demonstrates the same political will so that the Cyprus talks bear fruit.

In addition, he expressed hope that the United Nations  meet their obligations and act according to the UN Security Council resolutions.

Furthermore, President Anastasiades said that the Turkish side must change its stance and respect and abide by the UN resolutions. This, he pointed out, would help create the prospects for a speedy solution to the Cyprus problem.

“Our country has much greater opportunities for growth and prosperity, if the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots agree on a solution, that would give an end to the division of the island. We must work together to put an end to this longstanding problem, which only causes suffering to the people of this country”, he added.

The Cypriot President said that despite the economic problems Cyprus is faced with, the Cyprus issue remains the top priority.

Referring to the economic situation in  Cyprus, he said that the government “gives a battle to restore growth”. The effort, he went on to say, is not an easy task, but expressed conviction that with the cooperation of all concerned, it can yield positive results.

The people of Cyprus, he said, have demonstrated that they are aware of the situation and have acted in a responsible manner.

Cyprus has been divided since the Turkish invasion in the summer of 1974. Around 37% of Cyprus’ territory is under Turkish occupation.

The two communities have been meeting with the UN the past few weeks in an effort to agree on a joint declaration for the resumption of talks. In a written statement last week Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides said that President Anastasiades took the initiative to invite the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu for an informal meeting on November 25, with the aim to conclude on a joint statement that will pave the way for the solution of the Cyprus problem