France is, and will remain, one of Cyprus’ closest allies, said the President of Republic Nicos Anastasiades on Thursday during the celebration of the Bastille Day at the French Ambassador’s residence in Nicosia, and asked all its support for the resumption of meaningful negotiations to reunify Cyprus.
Wishing French Ambassador Salina Grenet-Catalano a quick and smooth recovery from Covid-19, President Anastasiades said that the events of 1789 initiated the introduction of the ideas of freedom, equality and fraternity and the establishment of the rule of law, adding that the French Revolution did not only reshape France, but soon thereafter resonated in Europe and had a long-lasting impact on European history.
“Nowadays, if one thinks of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, they will realize that many of these, such as the right to freedom, dignity, equality and solidarity, stem back from the fundamentals of the French revolutionary era of the eighteenth century”, he stressed.
The President of Republic referred to France’s role in the development of the European Union as a founding member and commended the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union which was completed at the end of June
“France did an outstanding job and produced an enormous amount of work, for which you must be very proud”, said the President, adding that although the French presidency took over at a time of a prolonged health crisis and uncertain economic recovery, Russia’s unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine on February 24 inevitably had a heavy impact on the agenda prepared by Paris.
“However, even though the war became everybody’s priority, you managed to continue steering substantial work in the Council, in crucial areas such as energy, climate change, the reform of the Common European Asylum System, the EU Enlargement Policy, security and defence and many more”, he added, while also thanking President Macron for showing great statesmanship in the Ukrainian crisis and his continuous efforts to facilitate a ceasefire and pave the way for ending the war.
President Anastasiades also expressed his satisfaction on the development of strong bilateral relations in all areas between Cyprus and France and of a solid network of cooperation in the European Union, as well as in a variety of multilateral fora, including the UN Security Council
He referred to examples of this cooperation, such as the importance that France attaches to the Eastern Mediterranean, “something demonstrated, inter alia, through the French participation in regional initiatives that promote cooperation between the countries of the region, including the East Med Gas Forum”, TOTAL’s involvement in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone as “a vote of confidence in Cyprus’ Energy Policy which is always in strict adherence to international law”, the recent resumption of TOTAL & ENI’s exploration activities, after the short break because of the pandemic, expressing the hope that “new discoveries will bring us even closer to realizing our vision of creating, together with neighbouring countries, a strategic Energy Corridor from the Eastern Mediterranean to Europe”.
The President of the Republic stressed also the “practical partnership” the two countries have forged in the defence sector, with the aim of enhancing stability and diminishing threats to peace and security in the entire East Med and Middle East region, while he also expressed his appreciation for the regular naval presence of France in Cyprus and referred to the agreement to purchase of a number of Airbus Helicopters that will be operated by the National Guard, “always for defensive purposes”.
In addition, he also referred to the operation of the French-Cypriot School in Nicosia, which this year celebrates 10 years since its establishment, and the launching of a new branch in the city of Limassol.
Concluding, President Anastasiades expressed his gratitude to France for its full solidarity towards the Republic of Cyprus and its steadfast support in reaching a fair, functional and viable solution to the Cyprus issue, “which remains an open wound in the heart of Europe”, in line with UN Security Council resolutions, and the acquis communautaire.
“Your support to us, including those Turkish Cypriots, who are working for the reunification of our country – and not the preservation of the status quo or the permanent division of Cyprus into two states – is always crucial. On my part, what I would like to once more reiterate is my resolve to resume negotiations for the settlement of the Cyprus issue, based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, as prescribed in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, that would safeguard the human rights of all our citizens, respect the fundamental principles of freedom and democracy and rid our country of any kind of foreign dependencies”, he added.
To this end, he continued, the win-win Confidence Building Measures that he has proposed which are not designed to score political points, but to build trust between the two communities and pave the way for the resumption of meaningful negotiations to reunify Cyprus, are still on the table. “To this end, all your support is essential”.
“France is, and will remain, one of our closest allies and we look eagerly to a continued friendship and close cooperation with you”, concluded the President.
SOURCE: CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY