The President of the Republic Mr. Nicos Anastasiades at an event co-organised by the National Cyprus Federation of the United Kingdom and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus of the British Parliament in London on the evening of 14 January 2023.
The event was held on the occasion of the anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, which was scheduled to take place in September but was postponed due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The event, during which President Anastasiades was honoured by both the Federation and the Parliamentary Group for his contribution to the struggles of Cyprus and the strengthening of bilateral relations between Cyprus and the United Kingdom, was attended by the British Minister for Europe Mr. Mr. Leo Doherty, the Shadow Minister for Europe, Labour MP, Mr. Stephen Doty, members of the Bipartisan Parliamentary Committee on Cyprus in the British Parliament, members of expatriate organisations and other officials.
The President of the Republic was accompanied by his wife Mrs. In his speech at the event, the President of the Republic underlined the enormous contribution of the Cypriot diaspora in the United Kingdom, while expressing gratitude for the long-standing and steadfast support of British politicians who stand by the Republic of Cyprus and its people in the struggle for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In his speech at the event, the President of the Republic underlined the enormous contribution of the Cypriot diaspora in the United Kingdom, while expressing his gratitude for the long-standing and steadfast support of British politicians who stand by the Republic of Cyprus and its people in the struggle for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In his speech at the event, the President of the Republic underlined the enormous contribution of the Cypriot diaspora in the United Kingdom. Politicians, he said, who have proven that international law takes precedence over any other interests.
Among other things, the President expressed warm thanks to the members of the bipartisan parliamentary committee on Cyprus, led by Sir Roger Gale, "who have been instrumental in keeping their country's interest in the Cyprus problem".
Referring to Cyprus-UK relations, President Anastasiades said, among other things, that during his ten years in office he had had the opportunity to work with the UK Governments to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations, noting that the two countries maintain close ties at all levels.
He added that the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Strategic Framework for Cooperation between the two countries last November is an important pillar for this evolving cooperation, following the UK's exit from the EU, and underlined that the Memorandum of Understanding signed for the civilian deployment of the British Bases in Cyprus is a major achievement for both countries with real benefits for the daily lives of Cypriots.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, the President of the Republic said that "the United Kingdom, as a close partner of Cyprus, a Permanent Member of the Security Council and a guarantor power, has an important role to play in the solution of the Cyprus problem".
He also referred to the successful efforts that both he and the Government have made to further strengthen relations between Cyprus and the United Kingdom and the tireless efforts made to achieve a just, viable and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem for the benefit of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
Addressing the members and leadership of the Cypriot diaspora in the United Kingdom, the President of the Republic underlined "the multi-faceted, multi-layered actions that you are developing, showing particular interest in the progress and prosperity of our Cyprus.
And this, without, in any of the cases, keeping you away from the creative activity and contribution in the country where you live.
On the contrary, through the abilities that distinguish you, you have succeeded to excel, to become renowned and at the same time to integrate creatively in the local communities, highlighting and honouring the Hellenism of the diaspora and your origins.
As I have already mentioned, my feelings are special, as this is my last contact with you in my capacity as President of the Republic of Cyprus, the highest office of the country that the Cypriot people have twice given me the honorary mandate to serve.
A mandate which, with the trust, patience and perseverance of the Hellenic Cypriots everywhere, has enabled my Government to successfully deal with the crises that we have had to face and manage over the last decade.
As you are well aware, with the assumption of power and due to the economic crisis of the time, we were faced with the imminent risk of bankruptcy of the State.
We boldly took painful decisions of responsibility that led to a successful management, allowing the country to exit from the memorandum earlier than some had predicted, to show growth rates, to regain its investment grade, to reduce unemployment, to restore workers' rights, to strengthen social benefits for the benefit of vulnerable groups.
The result of sound fiscal policy has been the restoration of the credibility of the Cypriot economy, public and private investment in projects that were decades overdue, but most importantly, the ability of the state to successfully deal with both the economic and health impacts of the pandemic that struck humanity in 2020.
Suffice it to say that to support businesses and safeguard the rights of workers, the government has allocated 3.5 billion euros from public funds, while, thanks to the superhuman efforts of health workers and the introduction of the GHS, Cyprus is ranked second in the world in terms of the minimum number of deaths and among the most effective in dealing with the pandemic.
Unfortunately, the Global Health Challenge was followed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, resulting in not only the inflationary trends caused by the pandemic, but also the negative economic impact of the sanctions imposed by the European Union and a number of other countries against Russia.
Hence the energy crisis, but also the consequent effects on all other sectors of the economy, with the estimates of international economic actors and institutions predicting a recession instead of growth for the year ahead.
Despite the negative economic consequences recorded on a global scale, our small country has successfully managed to cope with them, recording this year a growth rate of 6% for 2022, double the EU average, At the same time, the 2023 budget, despite increased development expenditure, shows surpluses, we are delivering a surplus budget, while unemployment, which is currently at 6.8%, is expected to hover around the full employment rate in the next two years.
At the same time, the 2023 budget, despite increased development expenditure, shows surpluses, we are delivering a surplus budget, while unemployment, which is currently at 6.8%, is expected to hover around the full employment rate in the next two years.
I feel great satisfaction and I modestly say pride because at the end of my term of office I will deliver a state:
(a) Economically robust and strong, as recognised by the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund as well as by international rating agencies, which record the strong dynamics of the Cypriot economy.
(b) Effective in addressing and protecting the vulnerable, with a guaranteed minimum income, a guaranteed minimum wage and pensions that must be above the poverty line, while with a host of other measures we have established a real welfare state that does not fail to take into account the large mother, which does not fail to take account of the restoration of workers' rights, which, from this year, has abolished all cuts, which has not failed to take account of the needs of the family, which has not failed to take account of the needs of those who need the contribution and assistance of the State.
I am also satisfied because I will deliver,
(c) A State that finally has an inclusive health system for all, through the implementation of the General Health System.
A system that has been the greatest social reform, based on the philosophy of social solidarity, with the human being, the patient, at its heart.
(d) A reorganised administrative structure through major reforms with the creation of Deputy Ministries and a host of other reforms in the areas of local government, public service, e-government, energy, justice, education, agriculture, innovation.
(d) A reorganised administrative structure through major reforms with the creation of Deputy Ministries and a host of other reforms in the areas of local government, public service, e-government, energy, justice, education, agriculture, innovation.
(e) Having a new modern system of administration of justice, through a significant increase in the number of judges, the establishment of new specialized courts, and the definitive reform of the judiciary through the creation of additional Supreme and Constitutional Courts, as well as the Court of Appeal, in such a way as to allow for the expeditious adjudication of cases.
(f) Which also has strong anti-corruption mechanisms through 52 targeted actions including, among others, the establishment of the Independent Authority against Corruption, ensuring transparency in decision-making processes in the public and wider public sector, and the protection of Public Interest Witnesses.
(g) With development projects amounting to more than 4.5 billion euros that have regenerated and transformed all municipalities and communities. You can witness this from your occasional visits to either Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta and the communities you come from.
(h) With significantly enhanced and effective defence armouring, a project I considered my duty, with the creation of a modern semi-professional army, at the same time reducing the service of conscripts from 24 to 14 months, while the largest investment programmes in equipment were implemented, which for obvious reasons I do not wish to mention.
(i) With a multi-layered and credible foreign policy, upgrading, but most importantly shielding our state entity, making Cyprus a pillar of stability and peace for the region and beyond.
Although I have limited myself to the bare minimum, I would be remiss if I did not mention the legacy we are leaving for the next Government, which is none other than the national plan "Cyprus Tomorrow", which foresees the implementation of 58 additional reform and 75 investment actions, with an economic impact of more than 4.5 billion euros and the consequent creation of thousands of well-paid jobs.
I would be happier if in my intervention today I spoke as President of a reunited homeland, free of occupying armies, guarantees and anachronistic rights of intervention.
I would be happier if I were speaking as President of a well-structured, functioning, Federal State, fully in line with European principles and values, guaranteeing the human rights of all European citizens, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike.
Which would give the right to hope for perspective and co-creation.
Which would not speak of north and south, but of the Federal Republic of Cyprus, with full respect for the rights of each of the communities, always based on the resolutions and decisions of the United Nations.
Unfortunately, and it is well known to all, despite the painstaking efforts of both myself and my predecessors, Turkey has continued for almost five decades to display the same intransigent and unacceptable attitude.
An attitude which, through the claims it makes, makes clear its timeless goals, which are none other than to turn Cyprus into a protectorate controlled by itself or to achieve partition through the legitimization of the illegal form it imposed on the occupied part of our homeland by creating an "independent state".
The above objective is confirmed by Turkey's insistence on refusing to implement and ignoring United Nations Resolutions, Security Council resolutions, a number of decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, but, equally important, ignoring painful compromises or painful concessions of the Greek Cypriot side, now formally seeking, instead of the agreed basis for a solution, the recognition of a separate state entity of the occupied territories.
I want to assure you that despite Turkey's defiant and intransigent stance, we will not accept and will never allow the abolition of the Republic of Cyprus or the erasure of the long history of Cypriot Hellenism and its inalienable rights.
Despite any challenges and threats, we will continue to strive for the liberation and reunification of our homeland and the finding of a solution based on the UN Resolutions and the Summit Agreements.
A solution that ensures durability, functionality, but also freedom from third country dependencies through guarantees, interventionist rights and the presence of occupying troops.
A solution that will not ignore the concerns of the two communities, but will guarantee the human rights of the whole, based on the principles and values of the EU, of which our homeland is a member state.
This is also the honour due to those who gave their blood for the establishment, legitimacy and safeguarding of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.
This is also the honour due to those who gave their blood for the establishment, legitimacy and safeguarding of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. And this debt, this debt we will not betray.
I would like, once again, to express, on behalf of the State and the entire Cypriot people, my grateful thanks for the enduring and multi-dimensional support you have provided to Hellenism and the Republic of Cyprus.
Support, which is a source of strength for all political forces and the President, so that working with the same vigour, wisdom and determination to carry out the debt we have all undertaken towards the Cypriot people.
In conclusion, I would like to express the gratitude I deeply feel for the love and trust you have shown me during my ten years in office, which is expressed through the honorary distinction awarded to me tonight.
A distinction that for me is and will remain the seal of the mutual respect and love that we have built between us throughout the years of my presence in the political life of the country.
I hope that the new year will be decisive for a future of peace and prosperity for our Cyprus."
During the event, the President of the National Cyprus Federation of the United Kingdom, Mr. Christos Karolis, presented President Anastasiades with a silver plaque embossed with Cyprus.
In presenting the plaque, Mr. Karaolis said that President Anastasiades has shown enormous determination and has served the island and its people with dedication, "showing great courage in making the right decisions, which have not always been the easiest ones. I believe that the day will come when we will live together in a reunited Cyprus."
For his part, the head of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cyprus, Sir Roger Gale, presented the President with a wooden plaque with a silver copy of the map of Cyprus, noting that the members of the group will stand by Cyprus and will give their support for as long as necessary in the struggle for the reunification of the island.
Speaking at the event, Federation President Karolis said, among other things, that the Cyprus problem remains a priority for the national federation, noting that it remains on the political and parliamentary agenda of the UK Government and political parties.
He also referred to President Anastasiades' tireless efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, as well as his unstinting support for the diaspora.
He also referred at length to the Cyprus problem and the efforts of the diaspora towards vindicating the struggle of Cyprus.
The UK Minister for Europe also briefly addressed the event and said, among other things, that President Anastasiades had done much to strengthen bilateral relations during his ten years in office.
He also referred to the agreements signed to strengthen these relations, including the civilian development of the Bases.
On the Cyprus issue, the British Minister said that the UK remains fully committed to resolving the problem on the basis of the relevant resolutions and supports the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting solution.
A reunited Cyprus will provide opportunities in areas such as trade, tourism, investment, energy and will create conditions of stability in the region.
For his part, the Shadow Europe Minister said, among other things, that Cyprus is a stable, important and reliable partner for the United Kingdom
He also referred to what he described as the huge contribution of diaspora Cypriots to the country, while praising the role of President Anastasiades in significantly strengthening bilateral relations over the past decade.
Finally, referring to the Cyprus problem, he expressed his commitment to a solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the UN Security Council resolutions.
(PM/MB)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
