The President of the Republic hosted an official
dinner
in honor of the President of the European
Parliament
The President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades,
hosted tonight, at the Presidential Palace, an official dinner in honor of the
President of the European Parliament, Mr Martin Schulz.
Speaking at the dinner, the President of the Republic
said that “it is a great pleasure to welcome President Schulz and the members of
his accompanying delegation in Cyprus and to the Presidential Palace.
During President Schulz’s visit we had the opportunity
to discuss the latest developments in the negotiations for reaching a
comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem that will reunite
Cyprus and its people in a bizonal, bicommunal federation. We have also agreed
that the Cyprus problem is a European problem and that the solution should be in
line with the principles and values of the European Union, safeguarding the
human rights and fundamental freedoms of all the people of Cyprus.
The European Parliament has played a vital role in
establishing the promotion of human rights and democracy as an objective of the
European Union. In this respect, the presence of President Schulz in Cyprus at
this critical juncture of the negotiations is extremely important.
This year, Cyprus commemorates the 12-year anniversary
of its accession to the European Union, which was the most important achievement
since the declaration of our country’s independence. Our membership in a
political union of developed and democratic states gave us the opportunity both
as a society and as a state to enter into a process of reforms and modernization
based on the EU acquis.
During these years, unfortunately, we have also
experienced an unprecedented economic crisis that hit our country. Nevertheless,
today, I can proudly and confidently state that the Cypriot economy is emerging
back to recovery, faster than anyone could have predicted. We have shown to our
European partners that Cypriots are turning our economic challenges into an
opportunity, an achievement that was reached with vision, detailed planning and
prudence.
European Union is faced today with two major crises; the
scourge of terrorism and the mass refugee flow into the EU. I will not get into
details now concerning these two critical challenges, but I will only say that
European solidarity can work if all member states commit to it and defend our
values and achievements.
Mr President, I would like to thank you once again, for
your personal interest and for your strong support to the efforts for the
reunification of our country”.
On his part President Schulz said, among other things,
that he is “a citizen of a country, which had the privilege to be, after 40
years of division, unified in a moment where nobody expected that it is
possible”.
He added that “now we are 25 years after the
reunification of Germany. Nothing is impossible. Everything is possible. Nothing
is easy, everything is difficult.”
Mr Schulz said that “it is not only my deep conviction
that everything is possible, it is an historic experience. It may last a long
time but sooner or later you cannot go against history and, therefore, I am
optimistic that one day, I hope soon, your country will be a reunited
country”.
The President of the European Parliament also noted that
after his meeting today with the political parties from both communities, he had
the feeling that “nothing is easy, everything is difficult. And nevertheless I
insist that everything is possible”.
He added that “your island is amid a very turbulent
region. A sustainable stability in your country is an enormous contribution to
security for Europe and the Middle East, for the Mediterranean, for the whole
world”.
Mr Schulz pointed out that he is in Cyprus “to express
on behalf of the members of the European Parliament, on behalf of the European
Union the full and unconditional support for your country”.
Concluding, Mr Schulz said that “today, I witnessed your very
efficient management concerning the hijacked plane. We are grateful that it
ended as it did” .
