Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades said that the current status quo in Cyprus is unacceptable and highly dangerous, stressing the need to end this situation as soon as possible.
In a speech at a memorial service for the hero of the 1955-59 anti-colonial struggle Stylianos Lenas, read out by the Director of his Office Panagiotis Antoniou, President Anastasiades said that due to the ongoing Turkish occupation of Cyprus’ northern part the demographic character of Cyprus has been significantly violated and its restoration is gradually become more difficult.
“We face the nightmare of theTurkification of our occupied territories,” he noted.
The President highlighted the provisions of the joint communiqué agreed in February between the two communities of Cyprus, paving the way for the resumption of Cyprus talks, as the absence of restrictive timetables and arbitration, the respect of democratic principles, fundamental freedoms and human rights, a settlement that will ensure a common future in a united Cyprus, member of the UN and the EU, with a single international legal personality, a single sovereignty and a single citizenship.
“These are not only claims of the Greek Cypriot community, nor do they constitute vindication of the Greek Cypriot community only. We pursue reunification and safeguarding of the human rights of all Cypriots, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, no matter where they belong, what language they speak, or what their religion is”, he said.
The President said that the reunificiation of the island must have the support of the people in order to face difficulties, to develop opportunities for growth and prosperity, to safeguard European principles and rules, stability in Cyprus and the region and allow the creation of alliances to everyone’s benefit.
Speaking about Cyprus’ economy that suffers recession, the President said that the government strives to deal with the situation and restore growth.
In late March 2013, the Cypriot authorities agreed with the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Troika, on a €10 billion bailout.
Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. President Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu reached an agreement last February, paving the way for the resumption of Cyprus talks, aiming to reunify the country under a federal roof
