The epidemiological situation unfortunately does not leave room for easing measures aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, as this would lead to stricter measures in the future, Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades said on Thursday, noting that within the next few days Minister of Finance Constantinos Petrides will be announcing new financial support measures.
 
In a televised New Year message to the people, President Anastasiades referred to the pandemic, pointing out that the year 2020 will be recorded as one of the most devastating for humanity in modern history, in time of peace. He noted that Cyprus is struggling to address the most aggressive phase of the pandemic, avoiding harsher measures taken by European and other countries.
 
Regarding the Cyprus problem, President Anastasiades said the top priority remained a solution which would take into account the concerns of both the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot community.
 
Pandemic
 
Referring to the pandemic, President Anastasiades said the priority was to safeguard the health and safety of the citizens, to protect the health system, and maintain the viability of businesses, save jobs and protect the vulnerable groups.
 
He also said that due to the measures imposed many families will be spending New Year’s Eve alone, noting that he himself would do the same.
 
The President assured that the government would continue to generously support those who have borne the biggest brunt of the measures, and that, beyond the programmes announced by the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance, the Minister of Finance would also be announcing new measures for financial support.
 
President Anastasiades thanked all the citizens who have been adhering to the measures and the frontline heroes, adding that unfortunately the measures could not yet be relaxed.
 
He added that thanks to science the countdown has begun to return to normality.
 
Cyprus issue – Turkish actions
 
Referring to the issue of Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third, President Anastasiades pointed out Turkey’s threats and illegalities, noting that reaching a solution of the Cyprus problem remains a top priority.
 
He said a settlement should take into consideration the concerns of both communities on the island, guarantee the effectiveness and thus viability of the state, and allow for coexistence in mutual respect, in conditions of peace, security, stability and progress, without foreign dependencies.
 
President Anastasiades pointed out that he has conveyed his vision to the UN Secretary General and the new Turkish Cypriot leader, making clear his political will to participate in a constructive dialogue.
 
He added that in this initiative he hoped to have the support of the political parties, noting that the ultimate judge of any agreement would be the Cypriot citizens, to whom he answers.
 
Reforms
 
President Anastasiades said another priority is to continue implementing reforms and expressed certainty that the political forces, despite ideological differences, would cooperate in order for reforms to be implemented in the coming year for the benefit of the people.
 
He said the reforms would, among other things, address corruption, modernise the civil service, local administration, the justice system, education, the National Health System, and culture.