[PIO] Statements by the President of the Republic

The President of the Republic, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides.

In his statements to journalists while attending an event for the Karaiskakio Foundation, in Nicosia, the President of the Republic, in response to a journalist's remark that the "Amalthea" initiative is in full swing and asked if there will be a next itinerary, said: "Let me express my satisfaction that this route has started."

It is also a sign of recognition of the role of the Republic of Cyprus in the region. This effort started in October 2023 and through coordinated actions we have reached this development today, which, among many other things, highlights the importance of our country in the region.

Beyond that, let me tell you that there are constant developments on this particular issue. Tomorrow there will also be a teleconference at Foreign Minister level between the countries that make up this group, namely the Republic of Cyprus, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, the European Commission, so that we can see the next steps. At the same time, we will host in Cyprus technocrats from all the participating countries, so that the next steps can be promoted.

It is an effort, a journey that has just begun and will certainly continue with a single objective, to provide humanitarian aid that is so much needed in the region."

Asked when the first ship is expected to reach its destination, the President of the Republic said: "I do not know the details. From the time it started it takes about 48 hours, so within that time frame it will reach its destination."

In response to a journalist's remark that yesterday we had the largest number of irregular migrants arriving in Cyprus and asked if this worries him, the President of the Republic said: "It worries us to a great extent. Today the Foreign Minister is in Lebanon [WHERE] he spoke with the Commissioner responsible, Mrs Johansson. I spoke with the office of Mrs Ursula von der Leyen and I will also speak by telephone with her about some specific actions that need to be taken, with Frontex as a key component, in order to prevent this phenomenon."

You are well aware of the importance that we, as the Cypriot Government, have attached from the very first moment to dealing with the migration issue. There are very positive results, for the first time we have such results. At the same time, we are also working on the establishment and proper functioning of the Deputy Ministry of Immigration and this is an issue that we will address.

There is planning, internally we have done all the processes that need to be done so that we are no longer considered an attractive destination.

At the same time, we are also looking at the external dimension. It is not entirely up to us, you can see why. I repeat, today both the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Interior and at my level have taken action in this regard."

Asked if there is a possibility of a joint meeting between the personal envoy of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General (SG) for the Cyprus problem, María Ángela Holguín, and him and the Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, the President of the Republic said: "There is a meeting scheduled and on Saturday with Ms. Holguín, we have also spoken on the phone today. I am ready to meet in the presence of Ms. Holguín and with Mr. Tatar if there is such an acceptance on his part."

Asked whether he will have a meeting with the Archbishop of Cyprus in the light of what is being made public, the President of the Republic said: "No, the Church has a different role from that of the State. As far as the role of the State is concerned, which is to investigate this case, everything that needs to be done is being done. And it is a case in which everything must be done to the end, as it is done in any other case. It is a separate role of the Church, a separate role of the State."

In response to a journalist's remark that, however, we are also talking about citizens of the Republic, the President replied: "Tomorrow I will be in Thessaloniki [WHERE] I have meetings. The next day I will go on my first official visit - I think the last one was during the administration of the late Glafkos Clerides - and I thought it was important for me to visit Mount Athos with my presence in Thessaloniki."

(RM/GS/AF)
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