It is time for opposition to be based on constructive criticism and not nihilism, President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades said today when asked to comment on AKEL's criticism of the government's handling of the Cyprus problem and other issues.
In statements to journalists at the House of Europe, where he signed the book of condolences on the death of the President of the European Parliament David Sassoli, President Anastasiades said that the deceased "was a European visionary, a true defender of democracy and human rights and left his mark as President of the European Parliament.
I am sure that his whole career is a source of inspiration for every European citizen, but also for every citizen who respects democratic principles and values. Asked about the forthcoming Security Council resolution, the President said that "I want to hope that the resolution will reflect what has been received from the Secretary-General's report. Firstly, the basis for a solution to the Cyprus problem and secondly, the actions that must and must be taken, the initiatives that must and must be taken in order to create the conditions that will allow us to return to a creative dialogue."
Asked whether he shared the position of the Foreign Minister, Mr. Ioannis Kasoulides that "EastMed has always been a tool to cause problems", the President said that "I do not think that is what Mr. Kasoulides meant, nor is it a matter of commenting on the possibly personal views that Mr. Kasoulides expressed at some point.
What I want to remind everyone is that it was a joint decision of three governments.
What I want to remind everyone is that it was a joint decision of three governments. If some people in Cyprus are attributing responsibility or triumphalism to the Government of Cyprus, I thank them for recognising the great influence that Cyprus has on its neighbours and particularly on the EU. We, in other words, we persuaded the EU to consider it a project of common interest, we persuaded Israel, we persuaded Greece and possibly Egypt.
It is time to get serious. Always, in every project, a viability study is a prerequisite. The decision is taken, the studies are carried out and if a project is feasible, it is implemented. If not, alternatives are found to help transfer the natural wealth of the eastern Mediterranean basin to the EU, a vital issue for the EU, security, sufficiency of supplies, etc."
In response to a journalist's remark that AKEL described EastMed as "lip service" and criticised the government for failing to shield the Cypriot EEZ and defend the Republic of Cyprus against Turkey's constant provocations, The President said that "what I have not heard from AKEL is a proposal either in the National Council or through the debates taking place in the Parliament to suggest that we buy submarines to shield the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus, or warships, or aircraft. At last it is time, instead of words of air thanks to the opposition, for there to be proposals for concrete actions. And if they mean that we should take the initiative - which I often hear - to restart the dialogue, I want a clear answer. I can take the initiative by coming to the table, but accepting on Turkish terms that the discussion will take place on a two-state basis. Is this what I am being advised to do?"
There is no move left that I did not make, that was not even responded to by AKEL, no attempt and proposal left in good faith on the basis of always finding a workable solution that is not criticised by AKEL. It is time for opposition to be based on constructive criticism and not on nihilism.
In response to a journalist's remark that print media cited legal sources according to which he could re-claim the Presidency of the Republic for a third term, the President said that "despite what I have been accused of 'committing myself', it was a commitment that I implemented right after my election during the first term. If the House delayed and enacted the legislation after the second term, that does not negate my commitment. It was a reform which I believe is of the utmost importance and which, once adopted, will be implemented."
(RM/MB/SX)
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