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- Ελληνικά
"The immediate future will give us indications whether we are close to the goal of resuming the talks", President of the Republic Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, adding that he expects the result of his ongoing efforts.
In his statements to journalists after the praise ceremony for today's national anniversary of 25 March at the Church of Panagia Faneromeni, the President of the Republic said: "Today is a double celebration. Happy Birthday to Greece, to Greeks everywhere.
Beyond that, we really need to commemorate such days through our actions, our actions, our everyday life, and especially in our case.
This year marks fifty years since the Turkish invasion, 50 years of occupation, and the message of the 1821 struggle is perseverance, unity and clear goals.
And in this effort, in our case, our goal is clear. There is absolutely no question or doubt. Perseverance is a given and unity, I believe, despite some differing public positions. I believe that the ultimate goal is common."
Asked about his meeting with the United Nations (UN) Secretary General (SG), the President said: "I did have a very good meeting with the UN Secretary General in Brussels. I believe that the immediate future will give us indications as to whether we are close to the goal of resuming the talks.
As I said before, the Secretary-General has some thoughts, some ideas that we support and we are waiting to see the response of the Turkish side to these thoughts of the Secretary-General, which I think, yes, can pave the way for the resumption of talks.
This at the same time will also influence other developments, in particular in relation to Euro-Turkish issues. Our approach on this issue is well known, it was something I discussed with both the German Chancellor and the French President. We believe that Turkey's relations with the European Union (EU) - the full range of Euro-Turkish relations - taking into account Turkey's desire to strengthen these relations, all this can, through a gradual approach, step by step, lead us to positive developments.
It takes perseverance, it takes patience, and we are working in this direction."
Asked whether the SG intends to invite the President and the Turkish Cypriot leader to a meeting, President Christodoulides said: "The UN Secretary General is already doing - both personally and his personal envoy - some thinking, [HAS] some ideas which he is working on."
Asked to refer to these ideas of the UN Secretary General, the President said: "It is not right to say anything. Let us wait and see. Hopefully there will be a positive result through the Secretary-General's effort and [THE EFFORT] will be known by the result. I think it is important that there is a personal interest from the SG himself. I also think it is important that the Cyprus issue was also discussed during his meetings with the head of the European Council, and I hope there will be developments.
From my side, when I was presented by the SG what he has in mind, my response was positive, that I support something like this and I hope there will be a response from the other side as well."
Asked when this will take place, President Christodoulides said: "There is an ongoing effort by the SG. So, I expect to be informed by the UN Secretary General or his personal envoy."
Asked to comment on reports by the Archbishop of Cyprus on the revival of the Unified Defence Doctrine and on the Greek Government's position on the separation of the Cyprus issue from the Euro-Turkish issue, the President said: "Our goal and all our moves are in coordination with the Greek Government. There is full convergence of views and approaches. It was this joint effort that led to the appointment of the UN Secretary General's envoy.
With regard to the Common Defence Space, I would like to mention that what matters much more is what happens in practice than some [THINGS] that sound very strong. What matters is what happens in practice. And I can tell you that clearly much more is being done than was done when the Common Defence Doctrine was in place. And I say this, I know this first-hand, especially since I took office and the briefing I received from those responsible. Particularly on defence and security issues, the more we do and the less we say is in the right direction."
In response to a journalist's remark that around the end of March, beginning of April, some measures taken to relieve people in terms of accuracy will expire, and asked whether the Government intends to renew the measures or take others, the President said: "Yes, there is planning. There is already a discussion with all the relevant ministers so that we can make specific announcements on either renewal or new measures."
On the issues of internal governance, it is high on our priorities, on the issues of concern. We are very well aware of the facts. We know very well the needs of the Cypriot society and we will have announcements in this direction."
Asked if these will include fuel and electricity, the President of the Republic said: "We will talk specifically when the time comes with the completion of the measures as well. I do not want to go ahead now, there are many ideas before me from all the ministers involved and decisions will be taken at the Council of Ministers."
Asked if there is any news on the Amalthea project, President Christodoulides said: "The effort is continuing, the consultations are going on and on the fund, as well as the interest from the Eurpean Union and many countries. You saw the presence of 36 countries at the meeting of senior officials held in Larnaca. We continue to implement and strengthen this initiative.
(PM/MS/GC/EATH)
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