It is with great pleasure that I am here today to address this very interesting Workshop co-organized by the Department of Turkish and Middle Eastern Studies of the University of Cyprus and the Turkish Affairs Division of the Press and Information Office on "Elections 2023 - Turkey at the Ballot Box - Dilemma: Change or Continuity?"
I need not mention the importance of monitoring and analysing developments in Turkey in relation to the Cyprus problem. Whatever the outcome of the forthcoming elections, our side remains determined to intensify efforts to resume negotiations to find a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the resolutions and decisions of the United Nations Security Council and with full respect for the principles and values of the European Union, of which the Republic of Cyprus is a full member. Such a solution will undoubtedly benefit all the citizens of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Armenians, Maronites and Latins. It is, moreover, precisely in this direction that the great diplomatic effort of the President of the Republic of Cyprus for a more active involvement of the European Union, always within the framework of the United Nations, is aimed at achieving a mutually beneficial state of affairs. The outcome of the elections may not depend on us, but we have an obligation to have before us the facts of the next day. The elections in Turkey are de facto a milestone in our intensive efforts for the immediate resumption of negotiations to resolve the Cyprus problem.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the Press and Information Office and the University of Cyprus for this remarkable initiative, as well as the participants in the panels and wish them every success in the proceedings of the Conference. This meeting of the academic and journalistic community I am sure is both useful and beneficial.
(OP/AN)
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