Until the last day of my presence in the Government I will create a climate that will be a deterrent from now on for phenomena such as those that occurred yesterday in Limassol, President of the Republic Mr.
In his statements to journalists on the sidelines of the laying of the foundation stone of the new Cyprus Museum, the President of the Republic, in response to a journalist's remark that Mr. Tatar yesterday reiterated the demand for recognition of two states in Cyprus, he said that "it is not yesterday that Mr Tatar and Turkey sent the messages, it is since 25 April 2021 when the informal five-party meeting was held under the auspices of the UN and they now put forward in writing what they have long been aiming for, namely the creation or recognition of two separate states, in addition to the basis as provided for by a number of resolutions and decisions of the Security Council".
Asked if a social dinner with the two leaders has been set before his departure from the Presidency, President Anastasiades replied "not yet, but even if it is set, you understand that it will be absolutely social, given the positions of Mr. Tatar, who means that in order to be able to discuss the Cyprus problem we must recognize sovereign equality, or in essence the existence of an illegal entity".
Asked if there was any news about Mr. Blinken's descent into the region, the President said "I have no news."
Asked to comment on the incidents that took place yesterday on the sidelines of the Grivas memorial in Limassol and a journalist's remark that the police were under fire over the management of the issue, the President said that "I don't want to comment on any references to the police, there was sufficient police presence. This is not the first time that these unacceptable phenomena of hooliganism have been presented by some totally irresponsible people and for whom of course the state must take even stricter measures than we have taken so far.
We are not going to be led or allowed to be led, and I believe the next government will not be led, to an anarchy of some hooded men who tarnish sports, tarnish ceremonies, tarnish anything in this area. There is no place for anarchist elements that are driven by substances, in essence, and you see what I mean."
Asked if the state and the unions are accountable for these phenomena, the President said "why should the state be accountable? These are not a Cyprus phenomenon, so that we don't focus our attention again, that the government is also responsible because there are organized fans. And there are organised supporters of many different groups regardless of colour or preference.
What matters is the unacceptability of the behaviour. I will be briefed by the Chief of Police, I will give instructions, at least until the last day of my time in government, I will create a climate that will be a deterrent from now on, for them to think that they can dominate a society that is distinguished both for its morality and for its peaceful character and for its belief in democracy and law and order."
Asked whether the UN resolution ensures that there will be no hint of a SOFA agreement for the pseudo-state, the President said that "I have not seen the resolution yet", and asked whether there was any problematic reference in the resolution, he said that "there was a problematic reference and we are trying in every way to correct it".
(PM/MX/IK)
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