Cyprus’ President Nicos Anastasiades on Tuesday, in his speech at the reception at the US Embassy in Nicosia on the occasion of the 246th Anniversary of the Independence of the US, expressed his determination and commitment to continue working closely with the US administration in order to explore new areas of beneficial cooperation.
US Ambassador Judith Garber commended “recent efforts to forge confidence-building measures to improve the lives of Cypriots across the island.” and said the US continue to support the leaders facilitated by the UN “to forge a just and lasting settlement that will reunify the island as a bizonal bicommunal federation.”
President Anastasiades also noted that, until his last day of term in office, he will continue his “tireless efforts in reaching a settlement that would reunite Cyprus on the agreed basis of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, in line with the UN Security Council Resolutions, since we cannot afford to turn the Cyprus issue into yet another “frozen conflict”.”
To this end, he added, “it is of utmost importance and I refer to my Turkish Cypriot compatriots to remain committed to the continuation of the dialogue, abandon any unacceptable demands and preconditions that do not, in any way or form, serve the interests of the Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots alike.”
He also underlined his “deep appreciation” for the principled stance and the continuous US support on the Cyprus Problem, including on the need for Ankara to refrain from acts that violate UN Security Council Resolutions and international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
President Anastasiades also referred to the relations between the two countries, and expressed his “sincere appreciation for the excellent and growing partnership we have established these past years between Cyprus and the US and for the shared vision to further enhance it in a tangible manner.”
He referred to, among other things, the signing of a Statement of Intent on Security Issues, the involvement of American energy giants, namely ExxonMobil, Noble and now Chevron in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, and the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act.
He said that these initiatives and developments “are already yielding concrete results for both our countries, as well as for key allies in the Eastern Mediterranean,” he said. He gave reassurances to the US Ambassador, Judith Garber, of the Government’s and his personal determination and commitment to continue working closely with the US administration in order to explore new areas of beneficial cooperation.
On the Russian invasion in Ukraine, President Anastasiades said, among other things, that a war in the heart of Europe “which has painful resemblances from Cyprus’ own experience, since Moscow’s excuses of allegedly “trying to protect Russian-speaking citizens of Ukraine” has been used in the same manner as a pretext by Turkey to invade Cyprus in 1974.”
But even in the face of adversity, he added, “including the failures of the past at the negotiating table due to Turkey’s intransigence, Turkey’s illegal actions in the sea and on the ground, as well as the insistence for a settlement in violation of international law, we recall once again the Declaration’s ideals of freedoms and justice in our efforts to reach a comprehensive, viable and lasting settlement of the Cyprus issue.”
The President also said , “we will continue promoting initiatives and ideas that will establish the necessary conditions for the resumption of the negotiating process, as per my proposal for the adoption of Bold Confidence Building Measures that would help address concerns and build trust between the two communities.”
Ambassador Garber, referred to the two countries’ relations and said that, by expanding collaboration in regional security, business, environment, cultural education exchange, United States wholeheartedly commits to advancing the prosperity of all Cypriots.
For Americans, she said, Independence Day is about their united purpose. “It is a time to reconnect, remember our history and renew our commitment to our Democratic experiment,” striving for a more perfect union.
She also referred to the war in Ukraine, saying that “today we witness innocent men, women and children driven from their homes, by an autocrat bent on Ukraine’s annihilation.”
“In defence of Democracy, and the fundamental freedoms owed to every individual, there can be no concession. The resolve of the US and our allies and partners across the globe will not waver,” she added.
She said the Cypriot people joined “the unprecedent global sanctions campaign against the aggressors,” and did not hesitate to open their homes and their hearts to victims of this senseless war.
“We applaud Cyprus, not only for its resounding solidarity with the people of Ukraine but for its partnership and economic and security issues, for reaffirming its commitment to our shared interests and for safeguarding civil liberties, the world over,” the Ambassador said.
On the Cyprus issue, she said that the US continue to support the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities facilitated by the United Nations to forge a just and lasting settlement that will reunify the island as a bizonal bicommunal federation.
“We commend recent efforts to forge confidence-building measures to improve the lives of Cypriots across the island.We firmly believe a reunited island offers a better and stronger future for all Cypriots,” she said.
She also referred to the inauguration of the CYCLOPS (Cyprus Centre for Land, Open Seas and Port Security) three months ago by Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland. She said the two countries’ growing partnership also includes economic security a critical but sometimes overlooked element of national security, and referred to closer ties with Cyprus to grow and diversify its economy.
She spoke of Labour Minister Zeta Emilianides who passed away in June, noting that “while we continue mourn her untimely passing, we are comforted by the fact that her indelible legacy of progress and tireless service to others, lives on.”
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
Source: Cyprus News Agency