Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades has expressed his readiness and determination for the forthcoming negotiations in Geneva, sending at the same time the message that he is not willing to accept any kind of solution nor to watch intransigent and unacceptable positions for an EU member state by the other side.

President Anastasiades was speaking during a visit to the military camp of the permanent Greek military force stationed in Cyprus, known as ELDYK and the National Guard camp “Elias Papakyriacou” in Athalassa on the occasion of the Christmas and the New Year.

Speaking in ELDYK`s camp President expressed the gratitude of the Cypriot people and the government towards the members of the Greek military force for their support and readiness to defend Cyprus. He noted that the during the difficult times at the negotiations is very helpful to feel that you have the support of a deterrent and well structured force. Of course, he added, we do not claim that we are able to pursue an offensive policy” and expressed his commitment to the dialogue.

“We are determined and ready for the dialogue. But we are not willing to accept any solution nor to watch intransigent and unacceptable positions for an EU member state”, he said and stressed: “Outdated perceptions, institutions or measures taken in the past have no place in a well organized state, member of the EU”.

For this, “he continued,” it is advisable to take into account the sensitivities and concerns and modern concepts of those who still believe that it can continue even after termination remain supposedly to safeguard constitutional order “.

Speaking in National Guards` camp “Elias Papakyriacou”, President Anastasiades initially expressed his appreciation and admiration for the work done and for the modernisation of the creation of an even better National Guard.

The President wished the 2017 to be the year that we can finally managed to ascribe the honor to those who fall for the freedom of this country. “The only duty we have towards them is to liberate our country, to reunite our country”, he said stressing that the acceptance of the status quo is not a solution.

President Anastasiades was accompanied by the Minister of Defence Christoforos Fokaides. In ELDYK`s military camp he was welcomed by the Commander of the camp, Colonel Prokopios Mavrayanis and in National Guard`s camp by the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Georgios Basiakoulis.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. President Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci have been engaged in UN-led talks since May 2015 with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.

Anastasiades and Akinci decided on December 1 to meet in Geneva on January 9 next year. On January 11 they will present their respective maps on the territorial chapter of the negotiations and on January 12 a Conference on Cyprus will be convened with the additional participation of the guarantor powers, while other relevant parties shall be invited as needed.