The new President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, said on Tuesday, that he is looking forward and he will work to improve the life of the citizens and make them happier and proud, not only because they deserve it but also because this will enhance Cyprus’ position as regards all of its major pursuits, underlining that his government’s priorities are people-oriented.
In his speech after taking an investiture oath at the parliament, and referring to the Cyprus problem, Christodoulides also said that his top priority is to solve it within the agreed framework, so that Cyprus will become a reunited, free, modern, European state, a common homeland with prosperity and security for all of its legal citizens, without any discrimination.
Christodoulides stressed that he is ready to undertake the country’s governance, adding that he is aware that he need to be fully devoted to the state, its institutions, the citizens and the broader public interest on the basis of the Constitution and the laws.
He noted that he is aware of the work that he aims to have fulfilled once his term comes to an end. “I will be happy if by modernizing the laws, the structures and the services we will be able to comprehensively combat corruption, favouritism and nepotism,” he added
He assured that in the framework of his vision for the Cyprus of tomorrow the role of the House of Representatives as the advocate of the public interest will be fully respected, adding that he will do his utmost for an excellent cooperation between the government and the parliament.
I don’t have the magic wand for immediate solutions,” he noted, adding however that he has a sincere political will, a plan and will work methodically, steadily and hard.
He assured that he will work taking into consideration the public interest and that he will be the President of all Cypriots. Moreover, he noted that “we have responsibility to reinforce our state, for a Cyprus that will prospect to the benefit of all of its citizens.
Christodoulides said that “we all have to acknowledge that the outgoing President, Nicos Anastasiades, successfully responded to the great challenge of Cyprus economic recovery, adding that for himself one of the main tasks is to achieve modernization, transparency, accountability, prosperity, hope and prospects for all of the citizens.
The new President said that his top priority is to solve the Cyprus problem within the agreed framework, so that Cyprus will become a reunited, free, modern, European state, a common homeland prosperous and secure for all of its legal citizens, without any discrimination.
He acknowledges the difficulties due to the Turkish positions and referred to his first informal meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, to whom he conveyed the position that the current state of affairs cannot be the settlement of the Cyprus problem and that he will do his utmost to create the preconditions for the resumption of the dialogue on the basis of the agreed framework aiming at a bizonal, bicommunal federation settlement.
He went on to say that within the next days he will undertake initiatives with a view to break the deadlock for EU involvement at the highest level, within the framework of the UNSG’s good offices.
He sent the message to Turkish Cypriots that “we are pursuing a settlement that will serve the rights of all Cypriots” with a view to live peacefully in a common homeland. Christodoulides also said that with the settlement of the Cyprus problem the Republic of Cyprus will evolve “to our common home within the big European family.”
He noted that he will soon call for a meeting of the National Council to express before the political leaders his thoughts on how to modernize and upgrade its operation.
As regards the cooperation with the parliament he noted that they need to work collectively with a view to achieve the required reforms in all key sectors to the benefit of the people.
He assured of his sincere will for a productive cooperation at all levels both as regards the smooth operation of the state and defending Cyprus and its people’s rights at the international level.
President Christodoulides referred to a series of new practices that he is willing to implement as President of the Republic, noting, inter alia, that every year he will present to the parliament the legislative programme of his government and will take stock of the legislative work that was carried out the year before.
He also said that the Ministers will act accordingly in close cooperation with the Presidents and the members of the respective parliamentary committees.
Moreover, he said that he intends to establish the soonest possible at the Presidency an Internal Audit and Conduct Unit.
Referring to the war in Ukraine, Christodoulides said that “we unreservedly stand with our partners by the suffering people of Ukraine, adding that this is what justice and our conscience dictate.
The new President said that Cyprus’ EU membership determines its foreign policy orientation and Cyprus pursues to be a reliable and creative partner with a substantive contribution to the European affairs.
He went on to say that “we will pursue to further deepen our relations with all neighbouring countries, while we will invest even more to developing our ties with the US and we will certainly work creatively with important actors in Asia.”
Christodoulides referred to the very close relations with Greece, which, as he said, is Cyprus closest and selfless ally, adding that he intends to further tighten these relations at all levels. He recalled that in March he will meet with the Greek Premier, as his first official visit abroad will take place to Greece.
Referring to the economy, Christodoulides said that his government will continue to build on what has been achieved by the outgoing government, safeguarding the fiscal discipline, adding that “our aim is to improve social cohesion and growth”
Moreover, he said that a crucial tool of the economy is to continue structural reforms and to full absorb European funds for the green and digital transition.
As regards the energy sector, Christodoulides said that the Republic of Cyprus will develop and implement its energy programme on the basis of its sovereign rights, adding that the country’s energy plans are not against anyone and more specifically Turkey.
“Cyprus is being recognized internationally as a factor of security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region. It maintains excellent relations with all countries of the region and Turkey could have a position in all this,” he added.
He went on to say that for this to happen Turkey must show the required will, respect the international law and respond to its obligations vis-à-vis the Republic of Cyprus that constitute obligations vis-à-vis the EU as well.
As regards the migration issue, the new President said that “our effort will focus on accelerating the process of examining the asylum applications” so that more immigrants are returned back to their countries.
He noted the fact that Turkey has been instrumentalizing human pain and that Cyprus is an attractive destination for immigrants, adding that “we will try to change this, with respect to all our international obligations.”
Source: Cyprus News Agency