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Let's start with a topic that monopolizes the news, Russia's war in Ukraine. What is your position and how should the EU react?
Russia's unprovoked attack on a sovereign and independent country in Europe's neighbourhood finds us all united. We unequivocally condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine together with our European partners. With a united voice we were quick to impose sanctions on the Putin government and we were right to do so. We will intensify them even more to defend international law and our credibility. However, I would like to take this opportunity to ask a question in turn. What is happening in the case of Cyprus? Why are there no sanctions on Turkey, at least similar to those imposed on Russia? Economic and accession sanctions that will have a cost for the Erdogan regime? Let us all reflect on Europe's double standards that irreparably damage its credibility vis-à-vis its founding principles and values and vis-à-vis its citizens.
Do you think Europe can stop Vladimir Putin's plans? And what, in your opinion, is the appropriate response?
Let's start from the beginning. The Ukrainian crisis has highlighted the European Union's energy dependence on Russia. The energy dependence of the entire European continent on Russia, but also the absence of a unified European army, pegs the Union as the European patient. Unfortunately, the creation of a Common Foreign and Security Policy is a taboo subject for the Union. I believe that the only way to show that we are not the weak player in front of the US and Russia is to have a common foreign policy against illegal actions that violate international law.
As an MEP, you are in the heart of Europe. At the moment Nicosia is engaged in a battle, against Turkish methods, not to lose Varosha. Is there a reaction from the EU?
I have said it many times and I will say it again. Europe should decide what kind of relationship it wants to have with Turkey and redefine its contacts with Ankara. Two weeks ago the Republic of Cyprus sent a letter to the UN rejecting Turkey's unfounded and unsubstantiated claims. A Turkey that challenges the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus and its very existence in order to legitimise the formation of the pseudo-state. We, for our part in the European Parliament, have strongly called for the intervention of the European Union on Varosha, without obtaining the desired results. We continue our struggle in order to finally have a united, targeted and decisive reaction.
Let us move on to an issue on which you have spent a lot of time working. Tell us about the report BECA. Why is this exhibition so important and what messages does it send to Europeans?
Fighting the scourge called cancer is one of the European Union's main health priorities. That is why the European Parliament's Special Committee on Combating Cancer (BECA) was set up, of which I was a full member. Two years of hard work by the Special Committee have brought progress towards our common goal. We consulted with relevant bodies and organisations, exchanged views and experiences with scientists and came up with a report. We have created a truly European project to support Member States in order to improve control and care and to reduce the impact of the disease. The central objective of the Commission, which has recently completed its work cycle, is to maximise the involvement of scientists in research and innovation, to coordinate them and to provide funds. All this makes us hopeful and optimistic about the future.
You even tabled a number of amendments. Was it a personal bet for you to get Europe to adopt the right policies on childhood cancer?
Look, the fight against cancer is a personal commitment that I have made with the citizens but above all with myself. A vow I made with myself long before but shared during the election campaign that I will never break for any reason. I have tabled too many amendments with a single objective. Because they all have one objective. Prevention, early diagnosis, the right of access to equal treatment and the period afterwards, i.e. recovery. The report supports research, pharmaceutical policy, e-health, cross-border healthcare and, above all, prevention. Control and early detection only comes through understanding cancer, which is why we have been so strongly in favour of huge funds for research.
And let's go to the President's. First, how do you comment on the "voices" about splitting your party?
I believe that no matter how hard some people try, they cannot divide the Democratic caucus. The Democratic Rally is distinguished by its democratic processes in the way it operates and takes decisions. So through the processes, on March 12 we will have the President of the party as the official candidate for the presidential election. This is an open, transparent and democratic process that preserves the unity and cohesion of the party and allows us to present to our fellow citizens a credible political proposal for the Cyprus of tomorrow. Therefore, the procedures will anoint the presidential candidate and the party united will support him in the race.
How do you respond to the position that you, the leading members of the party, have to take a clear position? Are you guys going to get involved in the campaign?
I have the impression that there is an attempt by some people to show to the outside world that we are not united. I want to contradict them, wondering if there is a senior member of the party leadership, a Minister, MP, Mayor or any other party official who has not taken a clear position. I told you, the party's procedures are transparent and the trend that has emerged is clear. We have a candidate for President of the Republic, this is Averof Neophytou, who will be officially inaugurated on 12 March, and of course I will be involved in the election and I will support him to the end. I consider it a duty to the history of the party and its voters. I am sure, and I put it as succinctly as I can, that Averoff has the potential and the skills to lead the country to even better days. [/B]
So far there has not been any official announcement indicating the intentions of our friend Nikos. We have not seen anything from his side, other than his resignation as Foreign Minister. I hope that he will take the right decisions and be present in the struggle that our party is called upon to fight in order to win this battle for the good of our country. No one is left out in this struggle.
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