In our efforts for reunification, the leading role of the EU is essential as its substantial and active involvement can help in restarting the negotiations and in achieving a solution to the Cyprus issue, President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, has stressed addressing the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium.
The President, who was invited by the newly formed Cypriot Society of the College to speak during the College’s Cypriot national week, said Wednesday that there are three key moments and anniversaries that coincide in 2024, 20 years since Cyprus EU accession, the 50-year anniversary since the Turkish invasion against Cyprus and the upcoming European elections.
“The thread running through them is the desire and vision for the future. For the Europe we want, for more integration, for more unity, which inevitably means that the EU must also become a catalyst to reunify its last divided member state, through a comprehensive settlement in line with UNSCRs and the acquis. A solution that
safeguards the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Cypriots, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Latins and Armenians,” he said.
In these efforts for reunification, he stressed, “the leading role of the EU is essential as its substantial and active involvement can help in restarting the negotiations and in achieving a solution to the Cyprus issue. As I have repeatedly mentioned, the tools that the EU has at its disposal can help to reach a mutually beneficial state of affairs for all the Cypriot people, the EU, Turkey and the wider region”.
He reiterated that since assuming office, he has been in constant communication with Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot civil society groups and representatives of youth networks.
“I am well aware of the fact that the new generation of the island, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, are eager for peace. And I think that the Cypriot society of the College of Europe is indeed a prime example of this, since it is composed of members from both Greek and Tur
kish Cypriot communities. Your call for peace is clearly heard. And I will spare no effort to make the common dream of reunification, peace and prosperity in Cyprus, a reality”.
In his speech entitled ’20 years after accession- A vision of the Europe we aspire to’, he referred to the Middle East, noting that the EU simply cannot afford not to have a strong voice and a role on what is happening in the Middle East, not only because it forms an integral part of the EU as a strategic, global actor, but also because what happens in the Middle East has a serious impact on Europe, from migration to security.
“The visit last Sunday of the President of the European Commission with alongside 5 heads of states, including Cyprus, for the historic signing of the EU-Egypt Strategic and Comprehensive partnership is proof that the EU can and must play this role. For a long time, Cyprus was fully cognizant of the critical role of Egypt as a pillar of stability in the region and we have been advocating for the development of
a strategic partnership between the EU and Egypt. I am very glad that last Sunday this vision became a reality,” he said.
President Christodoulides, who is the first President of Cyprus to be visiting the historic academic institution, referred to the maritime humanitarian aid corridor from Cyprus to Gaza saying that following months of intense diplomatic efforts, and coordination with like-minded partners, we have put into practical application the Amalthea Cyprus Maritime Corridor, with the first few ships carrying humanitarian aid having made it safely to Gaza.
He added that one ship has already successful delivered aid to Gaza, and another is on its way to Gaza, as we are working hard with our partners – more than 40 states have expressed interest – to ensure continuous flow of aid to civilians.
“It was an effort that we pursued fully aware of its enormous difficulties. Fully aware that almost no one believe that it could actually be done/implemented. But as small country, without any hidden agendas, h
aving an important geographical location and excellent relations with all countries in the region, we had a responsibility to pursue it,” he underlined.
He said that “with the support of the EU, the United States, the UAE and others, we succeeded to make this a reality. An achievement for all of the EU and for the benefit of hundreds of thousands of people”.
“This is a manifestation of the role that the EU can play, and the role that Cyprus can play as a bridge between the turbulent Middle East region and the rest of Europe. The EU needs to be actively present in its neighborhood, and support all efforts for a sustainable ceasefire, that will hopefully lead to renewed negotiations on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions for a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel,” he pointed out.
Referring to Ukraine, he said that Cyprus, a victim of illegal invasion and half a century of continuous occupation, has stood in an unwavering, unequivocal manner on the right side of history on the Russian invasio
n of Ukraine.
“We stand, and will continue to stand with Ukraine and its courageous people as they fight Russian aggression, which has in essence erased the perception that peace on the European continent is a given. Rather it proved that it needs to be fiercely protected and defended. And that can only be achieved if we stand in unity”.
Moreover, he pointed out that standing on the right side of history has not come without cost, adding that “we have taken painful decisions, that have come at a cost for our people and societies. But it is clearly a cost worth shouldering. We will never allow border changes stemming from violence and war”.
Referring to the vision and future for Europe, he said that never has the European project been more valuable, and that “never have we needed a stronger, more resilient, more competitive Union, that is relevant in the daily lives of European citizens and is present as a strong global actor in the geopolitical arena”.
The EU’s strategic autonomy, President Christodoulide
s noted, must not remain an abstract idea, but rather must be given flesh and bones and become a reality. In that regard, he continued, building European defense at the Union level can be catalytic and it is something that we support fervently.
Furthermore, he said that the EU needs to deliver to its citizens, become more competitive, generate job growth, become climate resilient and transform into a clean, resource efficient and competitive economy.
“Cyprus will continue contributing constructively to the deliberations on the Future of Europe, the strategic agenda ahead of its expected adoption in the June European Council,” he concluded.
Source: Cyprus News Agency