The Maronites in Cyprus constitute an
integral part of our multicultural common homeland and represent a dynamic and
productive community, which contributes positively to the development of the
cultural diversity of our country, the President of the Republic, Mr Nicos
Anastasiades, said today.
Speaking at the celebrations in honour of
St Maron, at the Maronite Cathedral of Our Lady of Graces, the President said
that the Maronites are a part of Cyprus that suffered a very serious blow from
the Turkish invasion.
He added that as all the Governments in
the past have done, so will the current Government, which will pay even greater
attention to the protection of the cultural and religious heritage of the
Maronites and more generally to the preservation of their identity. He pointed
out that this respect toward the Maronites reflects the respect demonstrated
toward all communities and ethnic groups in Cyprus and aims toward the peaceful
coexistence and common creative action among them. There is boundless support
for the human rights, and the roots and heritage of everyone who have
historically committed themselves to live in our common homeland, the President
said. And this, he reiterated, is high among the priorities of the Government,
which pays close attention to the many problems of the Maronites, most of
which, as the problems of the rest of the people of Cyprus, are the result of
the continuing military occupation by Turkey.
He also stated that issues concerning the
Maronites of Cyprus will be addressed as a matter of priority, in the talks he
will have with His Holiness Pope Francis during his visit to the Vatican on 15
February.
Referring to the efforts to resolve the
Cyprus problem, the President said that we strive for a solution that will
terminate the occupation and colonization by Turkish settlers, will free Cyprus
from the foreign troops and dependencies, and which will safeguard the
inalienable human rights and basic freedoms of all the legitimate citizens of
Cyprus, of all the European citizens of Cyprus; a solution based on a bizonal,
biccomunal federation, which will be functional and viable and will unite the
people, the country, its institutions and its economy.
“The solution of reunification and the
safeguard of human rights that we seek are pursuits for all Cypriots with no
exception. Tactical moves and blame games are not a priority for us. Our priority
is to reach a solution and to reunite our common homeland. We are interested for
the reunification to be supported by the people and to withstand hardships, to
create opportunities for growth and prosperity, to safeguard the European
values and principles, to secure stability for Cyprus and the region, and to
allow for alliances and conditions for common creative action for everybody,
for the benefit of everybody,” the President said.
He added that “it is for this reason that
we insist that before we enter into a dialogue, we should elucidate the basic
principles of the solution of the Cyprus problem with clarity and beyond all
controversy. And this, because we do not want to be led toward a failure, so
that we don’t find ourselves before a deadlock, which could possibly create
adverse and worse prospects for a solution. These are our sincere intentions.
This is our vision. This is our will for our homeland, for all our people, for
our future.”
_______________
