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It is with great pleasure that I attend today's ceremony organized by the Supreme Court on the occasion of the implementation of the Justice Reform Laws and the swearing in of the Judges of the newly established Court of Appeal.
The operation of the Supreme Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal is a milestone in the administration of justice and marks the beginning of a new course.
I am aware of the many years of effort that preceded it, with the discussions and consultations that took place, to get here today. I want to thank all those who contributed, it was a crucial, important reform of the previous Government and we must acknowledge the important work that was done both by the former President of the Republic and by the Ministers of Justice, the Legal Service, the House of Representatives and the Cyprus Bar Association.
At the same time, I am aware of the spirit of goodwill and consensual approach demonstrated by all, and that is why, despite any disagreements and different approaches on individual issues, the problems were overcome. And I would like, especially for this reason, to express to everyone the warm thanks of the State for the spirit they have shown during the discussions. This proves that through the close cooperation of all of us, as well as the demonstration of a high sense of responsibility, especially in matters of justice, we can overcome any different approaches, always for the good of our country.
In these rapidly changing times, when socio-economic, political and ideological developments and upheavals affect human existence in many ways around the world, absolute adherence to the principles of justice, equality before the law and respect for each individual and in particular for his or her rights as a member of the wider society, emerges more than ever before, urgently, not only as an expectation, but much more as a citizen's demand to which we must respond.
A favourable state must not only lay down by law the foundations and rules for social coexistence and the development and protection of the democratic freedoms of its citizens, but it has a duty to safeguard and strengthen the mechanisms for the administration of real justice.
In a democratically organised state, committed to the principle of the separation of powers, the existence of an independent, strong and effective judicial system is the first and foremost guarantor of the rule of law and the supremacy of the law, with multiple positive consequences for the State.
The Cypriot judiciary, shielded by the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus with strong independence, is the guardian of the observance of the supreme law of the State, the guardian of legality and the effective shield against any form of arbitrariness.
I firmly believe, and I am happy about this, and I believe that I express the feelings of many who are here today, that the Cyprus Judiciary, despite the general disdain of society towards the institutions - and this is something that should concern us all - enjoys the trust of the people, and rightly so, because it has established itself in the consciousness of the citizen as the most valid defender of his rights and the safest shield of his rights.
It is important to point out that the development of this confidence enjoyed by the Cypriot society has been aided by the great appreciation and recognition and support of the other two branches of government for the Judiciary. Since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, over the years, the political leadership of the country, as a whole, has adopted a firm attitude of safeguarding the independence, functional and personal, of the Judge and respect for the decisions of the Courts.
As a State, it is our duty to build a system of justice that will facilitate the execution of the mission of all those who serve the law. A system of justice that, first and foremost, serves the public interest, works for the benefit of citizens and is not challenged by society, that to me is the most important thing.
At the heart of the Government's priorities and policy has been, from the outset, the highest priority, equality, egalitarianism, the consolidation of good administration, as well as the defence of the rights and dignity of the citizen from all forms of arbitrariness and abuse of power.
With regard to the functioning of the courts, the Government's policy aims at further strengthening, always in close cooperation with the Supreme Court, and within the framework of the powers of the executive, all the factors that are relevant and can contribute to the smooth and unhindered administration of justice, with full respect for its constitutionally guaranteed independence and autonomy.
Of course, these include legislative changes and regulations aimed at restructuring jurisdictions, simplifying procedures, saving judicial time and speeding up the administration of justice, especially at the level of the court of first instance.
At the same time, and continuing the work that has been done so far, our aim is to develop and improve in the area of infrastructure - I know that this is a matter of concern to you - and building facilities, staffing and technological facilities that will contribute to the high levels of justice that we enjoy in our country.
Meeting the housing needs of the Judiciary, with a view to creating modern conditions in which justice can be administered, occupies a special place in the Government's General Building Development Project, in our programme. Our aim and ambition is, before the end of the Government's term of office, to have completed or wheeled out the solution of all the housing problems of the Judiciary without exception.
Before I conclude, I would like to address the Judges of the newly established Court of Appeal in particular.
Honourable Judges, your assurance today, apart from being a special honour, also constitutes a commitment that you will work with full dedication, exercising your duties with absolute conscientiousness and objectivity and will contribute to safeguarding the independence, impartiality and honesty of the Judiciary in our country, as well as to strengthening the prestige of Justice in our country.
Fully aware of the responsibility, I am fully confident that you will perform your duties in a manner that preserves strict adherence to the Constitution and democratic procedures.
The heart of dispensing justice, without fear or passion, correctly and impartially, lies solely in the legal knowledge, ethics, virtue and conscience of the Judges.
Congratulating you and wishing you every success in the performance of your duties, I assure you that the State will assist, as a helper and supporter, the complex task that the judiciary is called upon to carry out.
In conclusion, I wish to assure everyone of the Government's intention to continue close and harmonious cooperation with the judiciary in all areas.
In conclusion, I wish to assure everyone of the Government's intention to continue close and harmonious cooperation with the judiciary in all areas. The Government will continue to provide all the necessary facilities to enable the judiciary to continue with the same dedication and efficiency in its high mission of serving the law and our society.
(PM/EP/EXP)
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