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- Ελληνικά
Compatriots,
On the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of Independence, memory looks back with awe to those who fought and sacrificed for the liberation of our homeland from the colonial yoke that led to the establishment of the most precious thing we have, the Republic of Cyprus.
We therefore pay due tribute to the freedom fighters, who, at the cost of their own lives, managed to give our small country statehood in the international arena.
During its short history, the Republic of Cyprus has been faced from the very beginning with serious challenges, problems, but also with the questioning of its international existence. There were difficult times when struggles had to be fought to safeguard democracy, as well as to protect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country.
We therefore owe a tribute to those who, after the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, fought to defend the rule of law and to counter the Turkish invasion, which dealt the greatest blow to our country, with almost 37% of its territory still under occupation after half a century. The uprooting, the refugees, our stranded and missing persons, the economic disaster, were the harsh realities that our parents, our people, had to face on the eve of the Turkish invasion.
Despite the destruction and suffering, we must acknowledge, rightfully with pride, that the Cypriot people did not give up, did not give up, did not forget. They marched and fought without compromising with injustice, strengthening the statehood of the Republic of Cyprus and achieving its accession to the European Union in 2004.
By right, then, yes, we are proud of what our people have achieved, managing, despite the challenges, to transform our small country into a modern European state and a pillar of stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean region and the wider Middle East.
By right, then, yes, we are proud of what our people have achieved, managing, despite the challenges, to transform our small country into a modern European state and a pillar of stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean region and the wider Middle East. A European state that respects and applies the principles and values of the EU, upholds international law and human rights, and faces any challenges with hard work and perseverance.
Sixty-three years since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus and almost half a century since the most tragic moment in Cyprus' history, as the first President of the Republic of Cyprus, born just a few months before the tragic July 1974 and growing up with the other children of war, of refugees, my highest priority is liberation, ending the occupation and the reunification of our homeland.
It is imperative to get rid of the occupation and division, and the only way is to intensify our efforts, to read international developments correctly, to understand the geostrategic balances, to shield the international status of the Republic of Cyprus by strengthening all the power factors of the state, and to further enhance its role in the region.
The only way, and this is the way I will follow, is the way of progress, cooperation and peace, the way of continuing every effort to break the deadlock and to resume the talks as soon as possible in order to achieve the much-needed solution. A solution on the basis of the relevant UN resolutions, the principles and values of the EU, a solution of a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality, as provided for in the relevant UN resolutions. Despite the difficulties, the frustrations, the challenges, despite the fact that at the moment we are facing high walls, we do NOT compromise with the occupation, this is not the future we want to give to our children. We study the regional and international environment, monitor the changes taking place and, yes, we are ready to face the challenges and seize the opportunities.
In this context, I also want to address our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, assuring them that I will do everything possible so that the Republic of Cyprus, our common homeland, is reunited, and as a full member of the EU, which it is, to take full advantage of the prospects that will be created.
But to achieve this goal, and this is the direction we are working towards, the Turkish side must change its approach and return to the negotiating table with real will, so that a workable and lasting solution can be achieved, always within the framework of the UN Security Council resolutions and resolutions, and the principles and values of the EU.
I expect that the expressed readiness of the Security Council, but also of the UN Secretary General to appoint an envoy to explore the prospects of resuming the talks, will be put into practice, with the acceptance of the proposal by the Turkish side as well.
As the new government of the country, our main priority and highest goal is to create hope and prospects for the entire Cypriot people.
On 28 September we adopted the first budget of our government, which gives a clear indication of our political priorities. A surplus budget, which translates the key principles of our governance programme into costed and deliverable projects and reforms, with people at the centre of all policies.
Achieving a sustainable and resilient economy and promoting the green and digital transition through modern governance are primary objectives, always in the context of fiscal stability and accountability. The aim is to ensure a robust economy, which is our best shield to promote targeted social policies and create conditions of security and prosperity. The economy does not lend itself to experimentation.
The focus is on the real economy through growth spending, which improves competitiveness and productivity, as well as the earnings of workers as a whole, while creating new quality jobs.
Strengthening the competitiveness of our economy is what will allow the implementation of targeted actions in important sectors, such as Education, Health and Social Welfare, but also in addressing challenges such as migration and social protection. It is the guardian of the rule of law and the defender of justice and equality. Above all, it is the result of everything that characterises all of you, the Cypriot society: the Cypriot people of perseverance, patience, hard work and love for our fellow human beings. I wish progress and prosperity to all our people.
For the President's message in Turkish click here
(PM/MB)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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