Nicosia: The issues of missing persons and the enclaved are high on the agenda of his discussions with the United Nations and the Turkish Cypriot leader, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday. In a greeting during a luncheon he hosted at the Presidential Palace with his spouse Philippa Karsera Christodoulides for the children of the Cyprus Children's Aid Committee and children of the enclaved, the President noted that the event is taking place to send messages of solidarity especially during the festive days.
According to Cyprus News Agency, in his address, read by his spouse, he told the children that the state is by their side in order to assist them with their daily needs. Addressing the children, he said that all the state authorities, himself personally, and his spouse are making every effort to improve their quality of life. "We are here to assist in every way so that you do not lack anything and feel strong and ready for the future that awaits you. We are by your side all the time," President Christodoulides noted.
He went on to say that the state provides for all its citizens equal opportunities and possibilities, adding that the government has the possibility for social policy for the benefit of the citizens. The President noted that the social benefits for 2026 have increased by 6.7% compared to this year and amount to 2.3 billion euro.
He also referred to the scheme the state introduced for the resettlement in occupied Karpasia and in the Maronite villages, recalling that the kindergarten and primary school in Kormakitis were able to reopen. President Christodoulides also referred to the Christmas allowance for students who wish to resettle, the cooperation with universities in the Republic, as well as the facilitation of the movement of young people and the enclave of all ages to the Republic for participation in various events and educational activities.
In his greeting, the President reassured once again that the aim is to end the unacceptable status quo and reunite the island. He also praised the young students who teach life lessons, as he said. During the event, awards were given to students who excelled in a painting competition.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. Shortly after the invasion, some 20,000 Greek Cypriots remained in their homes, in the areas Turkey had occupied. The number of these 'enclaved' persons has dwindled over the years due to the appalling living conditions and restrictions imposed on them and their daily life. Educational and religious freedoms, in addition to individual freedoms, are curtailed by the occupation regime.