Message by the President of the Republic
Mr Nicos Anastasiades
on the occasion of
Cyprus’ Independence
1 October, 2014
On the occasion of the 54 years since the
declaration and establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, I address
the Cyprus people to express the deepest feelings of appreciation,
respect and honour.
At the same time, I pay tribute to the leaders
and fighters of the 1955-59 era, the law enforcement officers and the
volunteers who defended the existence of the Republic of Cyprus in
1963-64, and all those who defended the Republic and the homeland
during the coup and the Turkish invasion, contributing with their
sacrifice to the defense of the sovereignty and territorial integrity
of the Republic of Cyprus.
This year’s 54th
anniversary of the declaration of the Republic of Cyprus finds our
homeland striving, under particularly difficult conditions, in order
to deal with the consequences of the continuing Turkish invasion and
occupation on the one hand and the disaster caused by the economic
crisis on the other.
We are undoubtedly experiencing a critical
period. The accumulated challenges on a national, economic and social
level leave us with no other option than constant vigilance.
We now bear the cost of longstanding problems,
the system’s problems, the indecisiveness and fear to take
responsibility in the past, as well as political weaknesses, wrong
strategic choices and prejudices that led our country on the verge of
destruction.
It is time to acknowledge our mistakes, before
the citizens, through self-awareness, self-criticism and courage. To
acknowledge the reasons why our country went from a place of
prosperity, stability, security and safety to being on the brink of
economic but also national bankruptcy.
Despite the vast problems we are facing and the
pressing needs caused by the current political and economic
conditions, I am certain that we will overcome the obstacles and
return to conditions of growth and progress, free from the ills of
the past.
We have already recorded the first, but ample,
positive results which confirm that Cyprus is on the right track.
I have absolute confidence in the will,
conscientiousness, patriotism, and diligence of our people, and I
have no doubt that we will succeed, like we did in the past. It is up
to us, by ourselves, to determine the present and the future of our
homeland.
Compatriots,
Through coordinated actions and a specific
strategy, we are working towards transforming Cyprus into a modern,
reliable and European country. A country that will be playing a key
role in the very important and sensitive area of the East
Mediterranean.
A country that will lead the effort for
cooperation, peace and stability.
Forty years are completed this year, since the
Turkish invasion and the continuous occupation of our country.
We are working for the achievement of a
solution that will end the occupation and will ensure the human
rights and the fundamental freedoms of all legal citizens. A
functional and viable solution that will reunite the people, the
country and the institutions, on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal
federation, as foreseen by the High Level Agreements, the relevant UN
resolutions, the principles of the European Union and the Joint
Declaration of 11 February.
Through persistent efforts, we have created the
conditions for undertaking a process, without restrictive timetables
and arbitration, which will lead to the termination of the
unacceptable status quo of occupation.
I would like to hope that the international
interest and the activity that is observed will create the prospects
for the achievement of our goals.
Addressing our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, I
would like to send the message that, while they should consider our
sincere wish and determination for finding a solution as given, they
should not expect that it would ever be possible for us to accept a
solution that will not meet the expectations of the Greek Cypriots,
or that will make the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots
second-class citizens of the EU. Besides, the dangers from the
unacceptable prevalent state of affairs do not concern only the Greek
Cypriots, but the Turkish Cypriots themselves as well.
At the same time, I call on the Turkish
Government to respond and contribute substantially, through specific
actions, to the effort made for the solution of the Cyprus problem.
Compatriots,
Let the 54th
anniversary of the Independence be the beginning of a new era and
course, which will set the foundations for the Cyprus of tomorrow and
allow the new generations to live and create together under
conditions of safety, development, prosperity and peace.
Happy Anniversary.
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