«The Greece will always stand up for his rights Cypriot Hellenism »and will always stand by his side in the struggle to end the Turkish occupation and reunify the island," she emphasized President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, welcoming him to the Presidential Palace President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, who is in Athens for the commemorative events marking the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution.
Addressing Mr. Anastasiades, the President noted that his participation in the celebrations is an ideal opportunity to honor the contribution of Cypriot Hellenism to this struggle and to remember his selfless patriotism .
Ms. Sakellaropoulou reiterated that «We are all working together toward a fair and workable solution to the Cyprus problem, based on the decisions of the Security Council». He noted, however, that «unfortunately, we have seen—and may continue to see in the future—Turkish provocations» and stressed that, in view of the informal five-party conference, reason must prevail and the solution sought must be based strictly on the EU acquis and within the framework of its decisions. United Nations and to avoid yet another round of unreasonable Turkish claims.
For his part, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, expressed his heartfelt thanks for the truly honorable invitation and expressed his delight that «we will celebrate together the 200th anniversary of the 1821 Revolution, which paved the way for the creation of the Greek state—a modern, fully European, well-governed nation, a pillar of stability, peace, and progress. And in this way, we will share together what we never failed to do as our duty, as Greeks living in Cyprus in 1821.».
He also recalled that «in addition to the more than 1,000 volunteers who took part in the 1821 revolution, we paid a heavy price in terms of the leaders of Cypriot society, »with the hanging of Archbishop Kyprianos and a host of other hangings or punitive measures carried out by the Ottoman Empire at the time.".
As he noted, 46 years after the Turkish occupation, we are still drawing inspiration from that same struggle today in our quest for justice. «A vindication that will restore peace in Cyprus and uphold the human rights of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.". »And it is in this direction that we are looking with the informal five-party meeting that, as you well know, is being convened from April 27 to 29," he noted.
Referring to the conference on the Cyprus issue, he emphasized that we will attend it, always ready with goodwill and determination, and with the determination to help create the necessary conditions that will allow the Secretary-General to convene a Summit on Cyprus, which will lead, through negotiations, to the finding of a functional and sustainable solution for the benefit of all residents.
He also expressed the hope that Turkey will show a similar spirit and abandon the fanciful ideas calling for the creation of two states. As he noted, the goal is to, The solution must fall within the parameters set by the United Nations and respect the European acquis.
In conclusion, he emphasized that the Republic of Cyprus is a member of the European Union and will continue to be so, adding «I believe that with the abolition of the guarantees, as well as the realization that Cyprus will be obligated to implement the European acquis, at the same time, my fellow citizens, the Turkish Cypriots, will be protected and feel secure; they will benefit from the solution, just as the Greek Cypriots certainly will. At the same time, a solution to the Cyprus problem will normalize relations between Cyprus and Turkey, Europe and Turkey, and Greece-Turkey, which I believe is very important,» added the Cypriot President.
Ms. Andri Anastasiades and Mr. Pavlos Kotsonis also attended the meeting at the Presidential Palace.
