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- Ελληνικά
Let me first talk about today. It is one of the most important holidays, it is Mother's Day and we wish all mothers a happy birthday.
It is with great pleasure that I welcome today's event to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union.
I will not tire of repeating that the milestone to which part of today's event is dedicated, the accession of our country to the European Union, is the most important development since the founding of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960. And, yes, we have a right to be proud because it is the result of the unparalleled cooperation between the Governments of Cyprus and Greece. It was the culmination of clear, long-term planning, with vision and a very specific strategy. It was first and foremost the result of the struggles of the Cypriot people. At the same time, allow me, with respect for historical truth, to point out how decisive was the role of the Greek Government and in particular of Yannis Kranidiotis, both for the submission of our application for membership and for the full course towards our accession.
This great effort bears the stamp, the signature, of all the Presidents of the Republic of Cyprus up to 2004. The beginning, the most important path, started in 1972 by the first President, Archbishop Makarios, with the Association Agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and the then European Economic Community (EEC). A long path followed, led by Spyros Kyprianou, George Vassiliou, Glafkos Clerides and Tassos Papadopoulos. We remember them all with respect and appreciation. At the same time, in this leading national effort, the role of the Democratic Party, without any doubt whatsoever, has been catalytic, thanks to the foresight and handling of its historic leaders. It was under the government of Spyros Kyprianou that the Republic of Cyprus successfully concluded in 1987 the negotiations for customs union with the European Union, a development that paved the way for the submission of an application for membership. And it was under the government of Tassos Papadopoulos that the Republic of Cyprus joined the European Union on 1 May 2004, and more importantly, if we look at the historical development of things, the Eurozone on New Year's Day 2008, thus sealing our country's participation in the hard core of European Union decision-making.
Twenty years on, we can say with certainty that the Republic of Cyprus has confirmed those who predicted that it would be a creative and reliable partner. At the same time, anyone who tries to turn back the clock will have no difficulty in realising the drastic change that membership of the European Union has brought to our lives. However, the most important change that I would like to highlight, which is of particular importance for our country, given that it is half a century since the Turkish invasion, is our strengthened diplomatic and political position, resulting from the fact that since 2004 we have been part of a large and very powerful family of half a billion citizens. This strengthened position is certainly important for any member of the European Union, but let us consider how important it is for a small state like the Republic of Cyprus, which is even under occupation.
So the status of a member state of the European Union and the Eurozone places the Republic of Cyprus at the core of the leading political and economic decision-making centres. This status of our country creates, at the same time, multiple synergies that strengthen our self-confidence and fill us with optimism for the future of our country.
Throughout these 20 years, there have undoubtedly been difficulties and challenges. We have faced unprecedented crises, such as the economic collapse of the last decade, which is why we must constantly reiterate the importance of 2008 and our membership of the Eurozone, and more recently the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Each of us can reflect on how much more difficult it would have been for the Republic of Cyprus to face these challenges alone. In exactly the same context, through exactly the same reasoning, we face with our partners many other challenges that we are facing today, such as climate change, the green transition, migration, social inequalities and many others.
Through the European Union, we are demanding, always in a spirit of cooperation, and we are fighting for what is possible, for the good of the Union, its citizens and, of course, the citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. At the same time, we have no illusions. We know the limits, the restrictions, but also the interests that exist within the European family. However, despite any problems and weaknesses, it is within the European Union that we seek solutions to the major issues we have to face, to the challenges of everyday life.
It is in this very context that I consider the role that the European Union can play as particularly important with regard to our number one priority, which is the liberation and reunification of our country.
From the very first day of taking over the country's governance, we have made our partners aware of the need for Europe's substantial involvement and support, and it is also with their contribution that the launch of the new effort by the Secretary General's personal envoy has been made possible.
It is positive that foreign leaders, such as the Chancellor of Germany, are publicly emphasizing the link between progress on Euro-Turkish issues and developments on the Cyprus problem, even if - if I may mention it - some on our side refuse to see the link. Despite the attitude of the Turkish side, we will continue to fight for an end to the Turkish occupation and the reunification of our homeland. Despite the difficulties, the challenges, the problems, we do not mince our words. We know very well what we are seeking. We are confident. We have a clear orientation.
Like all of you, I truly believe in Europe. And I stress once again that I believe in the soft power of the European Union. As President of the Republic, and previously as Foreign Minister, I have invested and continue to invest in the role of Europe, because I have the firm belief that the acquis can work, not only as a basis for a solution to the Cyprus problem, but also as the most important safeguard for the implementation of a possible solution. A homeland where all its legitimate inhabitants, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latinos can fully enjoy their human rights as European citizens in a reunited homeland. This is the most essential measure of confidence for our Turkish Cypriot compatriots. This is the best answer and guarantee to those who repeat alleged claims of isolation of our Turkish Cypriot compatriots. The only plan we have is the one we have promised the Cypriot people, namely the search for a solution under the auspices of the United Nations, on the basis of the negotiating acquis, the resolutions of the Security Council, with European principles and values as our foundation. I also want to make it clear that a two-state solution, in the vague terminology of sovereign equality, will never be negotiated by us. This is not our vision for our people. We want a European, workable, viable solution. We want a European state. A proper state, as the Secretary-General himself described it. Nothing less, nothing more.
Twelve years after the successful organisation of the first Presidency of the European Union, the Republic of Cyprus is preparing to take the reins of the Union again in 2026. This is an extremely demanding mission of national priority. Our Government, and I personally, attach great importance to this most important milestone for the Republic of Cyprus. The timely establishment and staffing of the Deputy Ministry for European Affairs, our well-trained human resources and, above all, the dedication, with which I am sure that all officials and civil servants will work, leave not the slightest doubt as to the success of this difficult mission, which will further enhance the prestige of our country, the Republic of Cyprus.
Dear executives and officials of DIKO,
This year also marks the 48th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Party, which was created in a particularly difficult period for our country, after the catastrophe caused by the July 1974 treasonous coup and the Turkish invasion.
The historical truth, no matter how much some people try to change it, makes it imperative to recognize the contribution of the Democratic Party to the political life of the country, to the economic recovery of our country, to the social progress and prosperity of our people. No one, but no one can overlook the contribution of the ordinary people of the democratic centre to the struggles of our country, many times, in most cases, as a guarantor of the stability and unity of this country.
Dear Nicola, allow me to express my thanks for the significant contribution of the Democratic Party to the efforts we make every day for the Cyprus problem, the economy, the reforms, the upgrading of the living standards of our citizens, the improvement of their everyday life. For me personally, but also for our Government, the main objective is a strong Cyprus in a strong European Union.
I would like to sincerely thank you all for our cooperation and for the daily support you give to our efforts to deliver to our children a better, safer, freer and reunited country. In common visions we share a common path. Common, moreover, is our destiny. We are here to create, to unite, to serve citizens, beyond and beyond narrow interests.
With faith in the founding principles and values of the Union, we can, yes, look forward to better days, to an even stronger European Union for the benefit of the citizens of the Republic of Cyprus, for the benefit of European citizens and especially for the younger generation of our country.
(PM/NYAN/EATH)
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Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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