As he said, Cyprus is the natural and cultural bridge between continents, a frontrunner of regional cooperation that contributes to stability in an area of great geopolitical significance
We will continue the struggle for the liberation and reunification of Cyprus, as solving the Cyprus issue is our number one priority, but we will not allow our country and our future to be seen merely as a problem, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday.
He was addressing an annual memorial and tribute event for diaspora member Nikos Mouyiaris, organized by the Elytis Chair of Modern Greek Studies at Rutgers University in New Jersey.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, the President underlined the strong and ongoing efforts for the reunification of the island through a viable and lasting solution, as well as the diaspora’s struggles toward achieving this goal.
He added that Cyprus is often viewed solely through the prism of the Cyprus problem, and this image has kept it “hostage to History,” as writer Christopher Hitchens once wrote. The President stressed, however, that Cyprus is much more than that and in fact represents a solution to many issues.
“A few years ago, we decided not to remain ‘hostages’ anymore. Let me be clear: we will continue the struggle for the liberation and reunification of Cyprus, as solving the Cyprus issue is our number one priority. But we will not allow our country and our future to be seen merely as a problem,” the President emphasized.
He added that both in his previous capacities—as Diplomatic Advisor, Government Spokesman, Minister of Foreign Affairs—and now as President of the Republic of Cyprus, he has always maintained, both publicly and in meetings with mediators and counterparts, that Cyprus is more a solution than a problem.
As he said, “Cyprus is the natural and cultural bridge between continents, a frontrunner of regional cooperation that contributes to stability in an area of great geopolitical significance.”
He added that Cyprus’ geographical position is an advantage and is used as such, just as its membership in the EU and other international organizations, with a clear choice to serve as the gateway linking the region with the EU and the U.S. He noted that Cyprus is a stable, reliable, and predictable partner.
The President also stressed that Cyprus’ role in contributing to peace and stability in the region is reflected in initiatives such as Amalthea, which aims to provide humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza, as well as in the assistance Cyprus provides during times of crisis by facilitating evacuations and hosting third-country nationals.
He further referred to Cyprus’ upcoming assumption of Presidency of the Council of the EU and one of its main objectives: bringing the EU closer to the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East.
He pointed out that the discovery of natural resources in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus has further strengthened the country’s role in the region, while discoveries in neighboring states have fostered regional cooperation as well as collaboration with major energy companies such as Exxon, TOTAL, Chevron, and ENI, which are active in Cyprus’ EEZ.
President Christodoulides also spoke of Cyprus’ cooperation with India and the IMEC, highlighting the enormous, unprecedented prospects that lie ahead.
Regarding bilateral relations with the United States, the President said they have never been closer, noting that they have reached a strategic level in all fields, and that they can reach even greater heights.
He emphasized the vital role played by the diaspora in the United States, making special mention of the contribution of Nikos Mouyiaris, both with respect to efforts toward a solution and to Cyprus–US relations.
President Christodoulides also highlighted Mouyiaris’ great love for Cyprus and his contribution to PSEKA and the struggles of the Cypriot Hellenism, noting that “Nikos Mouyiaris was a fighter in every sense of the word.”
In conclusion, President Christodoulides announced, in memory of Nikos Mouyiaris, a donation by the Republic of Cyprus of the symbolic amount of $20,000 to the Elytis Chair of Modern Greek Studies at Rutgers University, to support the continuation of its valuable work.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Source: CNA
Το άρθρο Solving the Cyprus problem remains our number one priority, President says εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Cyprus Times.
Πηγή: Cyprus Times
