Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides, advised on Saturday to let diplomacy serve its purpose, commenting on the proposal he presented in Brussels for a more active EU involvement on the Cyprus issue.
The President concluded his visit to Brussels on Friday, where he attended the European Council, the EPP Summit and had meetings with the EU bodies’ Presidents and other EU leaders.
In statements to the press on Saturday, following the student parade in Nicosia to celebrate the Greek Independence Day, the President conveyed his wishes for today’s celebrations to all Greeks and to Hellenism.
He congratulated those who participated in the parade, “especially our students and children who are the future of our country and for whom we need to do more.:
The President said that the 1821 fight of the Hellenism is a fight with several and timeless messages and we will continue to honor such important anniversaries through parades and events.
He said that what is of utmost importance is to receive the necessary messages and lessons and transform these lessons into today’s reality.
The President noted that the most important lesson for him is that the Greeks did not come to terms with Ottoman occupation for 400 years. He said that likewise we do not compromise with the Turkish occupation and division although we are aware of all the difficulties and problems.
The President said that we have strong concerns about the possible continuation of the illegal and unacceptable status quo on the island, and we will do everything possible to end the occupation, adding that our strong will has transformed into initiatives, in coordination and consultation with the Greek government.
The President said that this consultation and coordination will be strengthened every day and cannot be negatively affected by any development.
He also expressed hope that as regards the breaking of the deadlock and resumption of peace talks, there will be concrete results after the elections in Turkey.
Replying to a question, he said that he is satisfied with his contacts and meetings in Brussels adding that “we have said enough about our proposal and initiative and now it is time to let diplomacy take its course.”
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. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Source: Cyprus News Agency