-
.
- Ελληνικά
It is a great honour for me to be here today, at the historic Zappeion Hall, to address, as President of the Republic of Cyprus, such a special audience, at such an important moment in time, on the occasion of the 15th Congress of the New Democracy. A congress that coincides with half a century of the party's contribution to the political life of Greece, as well as substantial interventions for the construction of a better Europe.
You should feel particularly proud, as all of you are the main "blood donor" of a political party that has always worked for national unity, economic development, social cohesion and the substantial presence of Greece in the European Union (EU).
You should feel particularly proud, as all of you are the main "blood donor" of a political party that has always worked for national unity, economic development, social cohesion and the substantial presence of Greece in the European Union (EU). Moreover, the great and heavy legacy that New Democracy has bequeathed to you is well known, as it has always linked its principles and values with major social reforms and structural political reforms, always for the benefit of the citizen. Above all, however, New Democracy is a true European institution that has always been on the right side of history.
New Democracy is rightly recognised as the political force that, with its people-centred ideology and non-negotiable democratic principles and values, has contributed decisively to the recovery, stability, social cohesion and development of Greece. Through the unwavering positions and strong values of its pioneers, embodying the vision of its founder, Constantine Karamanlis, New Democracy has determined the political, national and social course of post-independence Greece. We are here today to celebrate 50 years since Constantine Karamanlis went ahead with the founding declaration of the party, which coincides with the restoration of democracy in Greece, but also with the radical changes that followed, in order for the country to get back on its feet and move forward steadfast and strong.
Throughout its history, the periods it has been in power, even as a responsible opposition, but even more so today, under the leadership of dear Kyriakos, New Democracy has contributed substantially, with actions and not with words, among many other things, to further "securing" the independence and sovereignty of Greece, upgrading the Armed Forces and the country's deterrent power, earning the respect of all, at a time of significant international and regional challenges.
At the same time, 45 years ago, in this very place of unparalleled historical heritage for Greece, for Europe, Karamanlis was signing the Treaty of Accession of Greece to the European Community, taking the most decisive step for a successful social, political and economic prosperity of the country, sealing, at the same time, the clear European orientation of Greece.
The Founding Declaration of New Democracy stresses, among other things, that. With modernized Armed Forces, Greece's independence will be secured. And it will be respected by all, without the need for other protectors than the collective organizations in which she will participate of her own free will and in accordance with the permanent interests of Hellenism, which include the fate of Cyprus."
And indeed, Greece, from the depths of history until today, goes along with the tragic "fate" of Cyprus, sympathizes and supports, sympathizes and stands with us in our struggle to overturn the fait accompli of the illegal Turkish occupation, which this year unfortunately completes 50 years. An unacceptable state of affairs, which cannot continue, cannot be the future of Cyprus, of European Cyprus.
Fully aware of the great responsibility I have as President of the Republic of Cyprus, I want to reiterate that I will spare no effort and toil to end the occupation, for the liberation and reunification of my country.
It is precisely in this context that I feel today, once again, the strong need to thank the Greek people, the Greek Government and personally the Greek Prime Minister and my friend Kyriakos Mitsotakis for the active and substantial support of our efforts, on a solid basis of understanding and a unified strategy for our common aspirations.
Besides, the ties between Greece and Cyprus have been unbreakable and strong throughout time, always focusing on the progress and prosperity of both countries. But the current juncture reflects even more on our governments, as both the Greek Government, under the leadership of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and the Cypriot Government, which I have the great honour to lead, serve the common vision of European integration, security and cooperation in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region. A region of particular geostrategic importance, with multiple challenges, dangers and opportunities, but also with "negligent" powers, which unfortunately do not cease to undermine peace, security and cooperation.
This year also marks another important milestone, as in a few days the Republic of Cyprus will celebrate 20 years of its accession to the European Union. A development that is the most important success of the Cypriot people, the most important success of the Republic of Cyprus since its foundation in 1960, which would not have been possible without the support of the Greek people, without the support of the Greek Parliament, without the support of the Greek Government, for which we will always be grateful.
As members of the large European family with a clear European orientation, with a voice and a role in Brussels, through a lasting and substantial cooperation, Greece and Cyprus are the external borders of the European Union in a region of critical importance, being in practice the main pillars for dealing with any challenges. We will continue our common strategy on many of the major issues on the international chessboard, as we are already doing. From the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine to the conflicts in the Middle East, Greece and Cyprus, on the right side of history, are proving that they can play a decisive role as representatives of the European Union in the region. Elections of key importance for the future of Europe itself, which are even more important this year because of the challenges we face. Multi-level challenges which, in addition to what I have just mentioned in relation to the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East, touch on issues relating to the everyday lives of citizens and the younger generation. Challenges such as precision, quality jobs, strengthening competitiveness, the digital and green transition, migration, strengthening social cohesion and so many others, which can only be successfully tackled through a strong Europe.
Challenges, friends, as well as opportunities, require capable leadership.
That is why I declare once again publicly, and from this platform, that we believe in the leadership skills of the President of the European Commission, our friend Ursula, and we congratulate her on her successful mandate. We trust her to lead the European Commission once again.
We are united by many things, we are united by common struggles, we are united by our history, but above all we are united by the future. Unwaveringly committed to common principles and values, we will continue to strive for common national goals. This is what our glorious history demands, this is what our high duty to future generations requires.
And you can be sure that with Kyriakos at the helm of the Hellenic Republic we will achieve all our goals.
(PM/AF/MS)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
