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I wanted to start from the Cyprus problem. The President of the Republic resumed some MOUs, with the aim of breaking the deadlock. The Tk side rejected the proposal almost before it was tabled. In such circumstances do you expect any positive development?
It is correct that President Anastasiades and Foreign Minister Kasoulides are reintroducing the proposal for an MEA. We have every interest and moral obligation to take initiatives to overcome the current impasse. The momentum generated around the proposal is desirable, especially as it involves the international community. We seek, at a difficult time, a positive response both within the EU and from opposition forces in the occupied territories. What is most important is the resumption of dialogue within the agreed federal framework and where it was interrupted. I am well aware of the concerns and desires of each community and I truly believe that if common ground for discussion is found, a solution to the Cyprus problem is possible, even today."
Kasoulides said that the Tymbos proposal vis-à-vis Famagusta is risky but used a dramatic tone to say that the effort is focused on saving Famagusta. Can you assure us that Famagusta is not lost, or are you worried that it is too late?
Mr. Kasoulides and I have the same opinion and share the same concerns about Famagusta. There were, unfortunately, the other assessments that proved to be wrong, that Turkey's moves were "flare-ups". I believe that Varosha is not yet lost, despite the army's moves in the enclosed town and the announcements of its development and settlement. We should also note the fact that Turkish Cypriots are also concerned about Turkey, whether they say so publicly or not. A two-state solution or the incorporation of the occupied territories into Turkey will be the end of their community.
We are determined to work hard for a comprehensive and just solution. And a first approach is to build a bridge of understanding of the needs and concerns of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and to reaffirm together the already agreed parameters for a solution to the Cyprus problem. That is, one voice in the EU and the UN, one legal personality, one state entity with two autonomous administrations. Does energy remain as an incentive or is that also lost?[/B]
Obviously for Turkey the "game" is bigger and it would be interested in a broader settlement of its problems in the region. In this sense, its participation in European energy planning remains one of the strongest incentives. The recent decision of the European Commission to provide 657 million euros in financial support for the EUROASIA Interconnector project shows in the clearest way that our country is participating in Europe's future energy and environmental planning. Our government has created the conditions for this to happen.
Cyprus' interconnection strategy is also included in the Recovery and Resilience Fund programme and is also funded from there with another €100 million. Turkey should measure the multiple economic and geostrategic benefits of normalising its relations with Greece and Cyprus. But a normalization that goes through the solution of the Cyprus problem.
Were you surprised by the nonpaper of the US State Department on EastMed?
From very early on I expressed the view that the East Med pipeline was too ambitious a project. I refer you, if you wish, to my statements on this subject on RIK in 2017. My firm position is to use natural gas as an added value for our country by solving the Cyprus problem. Until then, we can examine the options we have within the framework of a broader cooperation with countries in the region.
Does the new US administration under Mr. Do you think the change of administration in Washington will not lead to drastic changes?
The new US administration has shown a sincere willingness to cooperate with its European partners and clearly more mobility than in the past. We register these as positive developments, without illusions. We recognise the magnitude as well as the importance of Turkey for the US and Russia. We have to show that a solution benefits all sides, while prolonging the problem benefits no one.
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In a few days the Supreme Council will endorse your candidacy for the 2023 presidential election, which was effectively announced a year before the election. Don't you agree that the ruling party itself opened the election so early?
You know, the Democratic Rally has a tradition of internal democracy and open dialogue that has been respected so far by all the cadres, without exception, who aspired to play a role in public affairs. It is on this democratic foundation that our proposal to further broaden the electoral base for the selection of the candidate was made. So that every member would have a say. Each time these procedures are carried out with roughly the same timing as the elections. This was done this year.
Ideally, they could be done later. But regardless of any nominations, my first priority as president of this historic party is unity and cohesion in the party.
Because there is something, beyond the faces, that our friends know and our opponents tacitly acknowledge: That the Democratic Rally is the pillar of the country's economic, social and political stability. The institutional function is the democratic counterweight to the introversion, the disorientation, the underground processes that undermine the perspective not only of the party but also of the next government, and thus the course of the country. And it is something that is shared by all our active members of the party and the government. And they express it publicly with boldness. For the first time we are going into the electoral process so united.
So we came out ahead the way we know how: in the front line. Politics is not done from offices and closed rooms but where the toil and anguish of the people is. With clear positions, with initiatives that solve problems, with solutions and demands. That is what I have done for so many years and that is what I will continue to do regardless of the circumstances. And my compatriots know this well.
You criticize that you are in a hurry to clear the landscape and in this way you have little room to negotiate with other parties for partnerships.
We understand partnerships as common political priorities that offer stability and security to the country. Through common goals and positions that create parliamentary majorities.We have proven in the past, and even at critical moments for the country, that we can build bridges, especially with the neighbouring centre
It is somewhat paradoxical to be accused of clearing the landscape for the citizens, instead of keeping them in the darkness of the underground processes. That's what the Alarm has always done. It is more honest than some "independents" who just wait outside the door of the parties to get their favour.
We remain open and willing to enter into an honest dialogue with all parties in the middle ground with a view to a stable and beneficial governance for the country.
Have you initiated contacts with other parties, or will you pursue this when you are officially elected?
The Democratic Rally is a party open to society and to dialogue. You will have heard me say that even if there was no "need" for the presidential election for consultation, we must discuss and find beneficial components and that is what we have been doing for nine years.
I am confident that our programme for a better Cyprus, the Cyprus of Tomorrow, the Cyprus of AAA, of Security, Development and Solidarity, will find the necessary parliamentary majorities to be implemented.
If your candidacy is the obstacle to a broad cooperation with other political forces, could you withdraw it?
In all modesty, I consider myself to be the person who has worked the hardest to create workable majorities in the interest of the country. From the 2013 crisis to the passage of the budgets, I have demonstrated my good intentions to come together. With a parliamentary minority government, we have managed in Parliament to deal with two economic crises, a pandemic and move forward with reforms that will change the face of the country. Did we do it alone? Of course not. With composition and consensus, with constructive initiatives that provide solutions that benefit everyone.
I am surprised that those who accuse me of not being consensual are the same people who accused me a few years ago of making alliances with DIKO and EDEK. Well, both cannot happen!
If I myself did not first believe that we can win this battle, I would not enter this process.
You have ruled out dialogue with AKEL, for political reasons, but not with ELAM.
The Democratic Rally is a centre-right, democratic, patriotic and liberal party. Our core values are non-negotiable and those who do not share them cannot work with us.
These are freedom, democracy, an open and just society, a United Europe, faith in open markets, respect for our national and cultural identity and of course the defence of human and individual rights for all without any distinction of nationality, race, gender, language, identity, religious or political beliefs.
The same applies to AKEL and ELAM and to all parties. Those who disagree with this political basis cannot be with us. With those who agree we can discuss.
Will you see Nikos Christodoulides? Whether he is a candidate or not?
Nikos Christodoulides is a remarkable member of our party. The doors of my office are open every day and he is welcome.
Given the current situation, what do you think will be the stakes of the elections? What is it that will decide the choice of the citizens?
Cyprus has successfully faced three huge crises, two in the economy and a global epidemic that brought the globe to its knees. It has made huge strides since 2013 to date.
Citizens want to keep the many good things and turn a new page on issues that were mishandled, not only by the government but by the entire political system as a whole. And with the top priority of restoring the credibility of our country and regaining trust in the institutions.
We want to move forward with security and stability and only the Democratic Rally in government can guarantee this course.
That builds on the solid foundations and achievements of the present administration but also that sets the bar high for the new challenges that our country has to face in its transition to the new era, with our axes being the strong economy, the welfare state, the green transition and the digital transformation.
DISY has stepped up to support the government at crucial moments over the years. When in your opinion did you find yourself at the most difficult moment?
The haircut period was a really difficult time. Not just for me personally but for the country. We had to take the most difficult and hard but necessary decisions to get the country out of the crisis an hour earlier.
But as I always say, my faith in the potential of the Cypriot is unlimited. We have proved it in the face of every difficulty we have faced. We proved it in 2013 and we proved it in managing a global pandemic.
It's in our DNA to succeed, to move forward.
What was one thing you would do differently if you could go back in time?
I can't change yesterday but I can fight for a better tomorrow for our country. Mistakes yes, I have made. Mistakes are not made only by those who do nothing. The big thing is to recognize them, improve and not repeat them. That is the doctrine that guides my life. And for the result to be beneficial to society and my fellow countrymen who are the ultimate judge.
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