“We renew our pledge that we will never reconcile ourselves with the fait accompli of illegality, and that we will continue the struggle until we can move freely throughout the entire territory of the Republic of Cyprus,” said the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, in a televised address. “The unacceptable demands made by the Turkish President from the podium of the United Nations General Assembly for a two-state solution prove who is truly responsible for the absence of meaningful progress,” he added.
Christodoulides: “This year’s anniversary is not as celebratory as we would wish”
Nikos Christodoulides stressed: “Unfortunately, this year’s anniversary is not as celebratory as we would wish. Inevitably, our thoughts turn once again to all those who still suffer from the consequences of the illegal Turkish invasion and the ongoing occupation, which remains an open wound for our homeland and our people. Despite the devastation caused by the unspeakable tragedy of 1974, our people — never forgetting, never ceasing to fight — managed to rise again, achieving the reconstruction of the state, the economy, and society.”
“This unparalleled achievement of our parents, our grandmothers and grandfathers, is the example that defines our every action and effort toward liberation, reunification, and justice.”
“Thirty years after the catastrophe of 1974, the Republic of Cyprus joined the great European family in 2004, and is now recognized by the entire international community as a modern state — with enviable performance across all sectors, with credibility, with a voice and a role in major international affairs, and with a standing far greater than its geographic, demographic, and economic size would suggest. We are therefore justifiably proud of the Republic of Cyprus.”
“Our country is located in a region of exceptional geopolitical instability”
“Our country is located in a region of exceptional geopolitical instability, facing many challenges and problems that require collective management. The Republic of Cyprus leverages its EU membership and the synergies it has developed with European and third-party states in order to make a meaningful contribution and to have a voice and a role in everything that affects it and our people.”
“Cyprus is actively transforming its geographic position into a strategic advantage. Through concrete initiatives and actions, it is becoming a hub of stability, a transit point for the safe evacuation of civilians, a corridor for the delivery of humanitarian aid, and a bridge of cooperation. The entire world recognizes this, and we are justifiably proud that Cyprus — our homeland — is walking the path of responsibility, always as part of the solution and never as part of the problem,” he said.
The full message of Nikos Christodoulides
The complete message of Nikos Christodoulides: “Fellow citizens, On the occasion of the 66th anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Cyprus, I address each and every one of you with feelings of esteem and respect, expressing the gratitude of the State toward all those who took part in the unparalleled national liberation struggle of EOKA, which led to the creation of the independent Cypriot state.
With feelings of pride, we also honor today the founders of the Republic of Cyprus — all those who defended its legitimacy and stood on the front lines for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of our homeland. The meaning of today, of course, cannot be exhausted in anniversary declarations alone. The establishment of the Republic of Cyprus was, and remains, the most significant transformation in the long history of our country — which, after centuries of oppression and subjugation, became an independent and sovereign state.
Ladies and gentlemen, unfortunately, this year’s anniversary is not as celebratory as we would wish. Inevitably, our thoughts turn once again to all those who still suffer from the consequences of the illegal Turkish invasion and the ongoing occupation, which remains an open wound for our homeland and our people.
Despite the devastation caused by the unspeakable tragedy of 1974, our people — never forgetting, never ceasing to fight — managed to rise again, achieving the reconstruction of the state, the economy, and society. This unparalleled achievement of our parents, our grandmothers and grandfathers, is the example that defines our every action and effort toward liberation, reunification, and justice.
Thirty years after the catastrophe of 1974, the Republic of Cyprus joined the great European family in 2004, and is now recognized by the entire international community as a modern state — with enviable performance across all sectors, with credibility, with a voice and a role in major international affairs, and with a standing far greater than its geographic, demographic, and economic size would suggest. We are therefore justifiably proud of the Republic of Cyprus.
Friends, the occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus by military force remains a source of threat, affects the sense of security of all of us, and limits the prospects of our country and our people. Lifting this unacceptable situation remains my top priority and my foremost concern.
Over the past three-plus years, we have been making a great effort to break the deadlock and return to the negotiating table — to seek a solution on the basis of the agreed framework, the negotiating acquis, and the principles, values, and law of the European Union.
Unfortunately, we are not where we would like to be, but this does not discourage us, and it will certainly not lead us into inaction and passivity — because such a course serves only those who desire the perpetuation of the status quo.
The unacceptable demands made by the Turkish President from the podium of the United Nations General Assembly for a two-state solution prove who is truly responsible for the absence of meaningful progress. Despite the obstacles, the problems, and the difficulties, however, I remain absolutely committed to the effort to create the conditions that will allow negotiations to resume.
The completion of the recording of areas of convergence, the reaffirmation of the solution framework by the UN, the outgoing Secretary-General’s strong resolve to exhaust every negotiating possibility, the clear position of the Security Council on the form of a Cyprus settlement, the support of EU institutions, leaders, and member states — as demonstrated through the appointment of the Executive Vice-President of the Commission — as well as the support of our other strategic partners, are all factors that allow us to be optimistic that, yes, the prospect of a solution remains before us and constitutes an achievable goal.
I feel entirely at peace with my conscience that I am doing what I promised the citizens, and that I am doing everything humanly possible to bring about an end to the occupation, to liberate our homeland, and to reunite it.
For us, the sole goal and aspiration is reunification — reunification through a solution that will transform the Republic of Cyprus into a modern state, sovereign throughout its entire territory, without an occupying army and without guarantors holding interventionary rights, in which all legitimate citizens will enjoy the exact same rights as all other European citizens.
That is the mandate I received from the Cypriot people. I remain a realist; I know the limits of our side. I am ready for concessions that serve the goal of liberation and reunification — but under no circumstances will I drift into actions for the sake of artificial progress.
I do not downplay the difficulties, nor do I underestimate the obstacles. I focus on solving the problem and draw resolve and strength from the prospects that a free and reunited country creates.
As long as the effort continues, the window of opportunity remains open. And for my part, I will continue to invest in cooperation with the full spectrum of political forces, and I will do everything possible to seize every last glimmer of hope for the vindication of our people. With assertive realism, with seriousness, perseverance, methodical determination, and commitment, I have no doubt that we can — yes — achieve the desired outcome.
Fellow citizens, our effort to resolve the Cyprus problem cuts across all our policies horizontally and is served by our strategy to strengthen all elements of our country’s power — both internal and external.
Domestically, we are continuously striving for bold reforms, for the modernization of institutions, the strengthening of the rule of law, the fight against corruption, the management of migration, investment in social welfare, the improvement of citizens’ daily lives, and, of course, the consolidation of a sense of security for citizens in every sector.
At the same time, the strengthening of the National Guard and the enhancement of our country’s deterrent capability is a non-negotiable priority for our government. The Republic of Cyprus is not directed against anyone, but through the upgrading of its deterrent capacity, it exercises its right to defense against the very real threats that surround it.
All of the above, which also reinforces the standing of our country, cannot be achieved without a strong and resilient economy. The continuous upgrades by all credit rating agencies, and the commendations from European and international institutions, constitute a vote of confidence in our country and the Cypriot economy.
Economic performance is among the best in Europe — and this is in the midst of two wars. The upward growth rate, one of the highest in the Eurozone, the prevalence of full employment conditions in the labor market, the notable reduction of public debt, and several other indicators are the result of the responsible economic policy we are pursuing.
Despite these remarkable achievements, I am very much aware of the pressure that high inflation — driven by external factors, combined with price increases on goods and services caused by the energy crisis, as well as housing costs — is placing on households and wage earners.
The state’s fiscal strength, however, allows us to implement a series of measures to support vulnerable groups, the middle class, households, and businesses. At the same time, thanks to the financial capacity of our state, we are advancing policies aimed at increasing family disposable income — such as tax reform, pension system reform, expansion of child benefit eligibility, subsidies for children’s tuition and meals, subsidies for elderly care and residence, vocational education and training, and employment for adults with disabilities beyond the age of 22, among many others. Our fiscal responsibility allows us to invest in health, education, the welfare state, and in all sectors that improve citizens’ daily lives.
All of our policy decisions are taken on the basis of social liberalism, which constitutes the ideological and political foundation of the government — through a holistic, sustainable, and costed program, far removed from the policies of the past that led our country into turbulent times.
Ladies and gentlemen, our country is located in a region of exceptional geopolitical instability, facing many challenges and problems that require collective management. The Republic of Cyprus leverages its EU membership and the synergies it has developed with European and third-party states in order to make a meaningful contribution and to have a voice and a role in everything that affects it and our people.
Cyprus is actively transforming its geographic position into a strategic advantage. Through concrete initiatives and actions, it is becoming a hub of stability, a transit point for the safe evacuation of civilians, a corridor for the delivery of humanitarian aid, and a bridge of cooperation. The entire world recognizes this, and we are justifiably proud that Cyprus — our homeland — is walking the path of responsibility, always as part of the solution and never as part of the problem.
Justifiably, then, today’s anniversary fills us with pride for the achievements of our people — for the dignity with which they have journeyed through adversity, with will, resilience, and steadfastness.
In its 66 years of existence, and despite the wounds inflicted by Turkish aggression, the Republic of Cyprus has proven that it possesses the endurance to move forward with even greater security and confidence.
Today, therefore, we renew our pledge that we will never reconcile ourselves with the fait accompli of illegality, and that we will continue the struggle until we can move freely throughout the entire territory of the Republic of Cyprus.
In our dreams, the future of Cyprus can be nothing less than a common homeland for all its legitimate inhabitants — Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians, and Latins — without exclusions, without discrimination, without exceptions.
A homeland, a member state of the European Union, that will guarantee its citizens the right to live, to work, and to create in conditions of security, peace, and prosperity. This is the future we envision for our people. This is the future we owe to our children. Long live the Republic of Cyprus!”
