President Christodoulides remains resolute in seeking a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue, aligning with UN guidelines and EU values, without compromising Cypriot principles or human rights. Greece’s President Sakellaropoulou reaffirmed unwavering support in ending the occupation and division of Cyprus, marking a solemn milestone of 50 years since the Turkish invasion.
What is President Christodoulides’s stance on Cyprus negotiations?
President Nikos Christodoulides remains resolute in seeking a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue, stressing the importance of not compromising the country’s principles. He advocates for a fair settlement in line with UN guidelines, without undermining Cypriot human rights or the concept of a single, sovereign nation, aligning with EU values.
Delicate Diplomacy
President Nikos Christodoulides recently made a poignant speech at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, marking a somber milestone—50 years since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Amidst the solemn backdrop, Christodoulides reinforced the government’s unwavering determination to secure a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue. However, he emphasized that the nation’s willingness to compromise has boundaries. The overarching message was clear: while the Greek Cypriot side remains steadfast in its quest for justice, it recognizes the importance of not exceeding the concessions that could jeopardize the country’s core principles and values.
In a display of academic solidarity, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, the Rector of the University, took the opportunity to bestow upon President Christodoulides an honorary doctorate, acknowledging his efforts and contributions to the ongoing cause. The president’s address reflected on the stark ramifications of the invasion and subsequent occupation, highlighting it as a blatant breach of international law, and a defiant stance against the rights of Cypriots.
A Quest for Resilient Peace
During his compelling discourse, President Christodoulides touched upon the persistence of Turkish intransigence, pointing to recent demands for “sovereign equality and a two-state solution” as obstacles in the path to peace. The Greek Cypriot side, he insisted, will not wane in its journey towards a fair settlement—one that aligns with the guidelines set forth by the United Nations. The president conveyed a message that, despite the trials and tribulations, a resilient belief in finding common ground on contentious issues continues to guide their diplomatic efforts.
Aligning closely with European Union values and directives underscores Cyprus’s stance in the negotiations. Christodoulides argued that Cyprus, as an EU member state, should not be expected to settle for an agreement that undermines the fundamental human rights of its citizens or contradicts the concept of a single, sovereign nation. The harmonization with the relevant UN resolutions and the European legal framework remains a cornerstone of the proposed solution.
Greece’s Unwavering Support
The event also featured a strong show of support from Greece, with the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, asserting Greece’s unwavering dedication to ending the occupation and division of Cyprus. Sakellaropoulou’s words were a testament to the long-standing bond between the two nations, as she recounted the fifty years of Cyprus’s partial occupation. Her address served as a reminder of the enduring commitment to rectify the results of the invasion and the ongoing separation of the Cypriot communities.
In his closing remarks, President Christodoulides paid homage to the bravery of the Greek fighters who stood in solidarity with Cyprus during its time of need, and he acknowledged the continuous support provided by Greece over the decades of struggle. The narrative was not just one of resistance but also of gratitude and the enduring kinship that binds both countries in their shared history and aspirations.
What is President Christodoulides’s stance on Cyprus negotiations?
President Nikos Christodoulides remains resolute in seeking a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue, stressing the importance of not compromising the country’s principles. He advocates for a fair settlement in line with UN guidelines, without undermining Cypriot human rights or the concept of a single, sovereign nation, aligning with EU values.
What was the recent speech made by President Christodoulides at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens about?
President Christodoulides made a poignant speech at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, emphasizing the 50-year milestone since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. He reiterated the government’s determination to secure a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue while explaining the boundaries of compromise to safeguard the nation’s core principles and values.
How does President Christodoulides view Turkish intransigence in the Cyprus negotiations?
President Christodoulides views Turkish intransigence, particularly demands for “sovereign equality and a two-state solution,” as obstacles in the path to peace. He reaffirms the Greek Cypriot side’s unwavering commitment to a fair settlement in alignment with UN guidelines, emphasizing the need to find common ground on contentious issues to achieve resilient peace.
How has Greece shown its support for Cyprus in the recent event mentioned?
Greece’s President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, demonstrated unwavering support for Cyprus by reaffirming Greece’s commitment to ending the occupation and division of the island. This display of solidarity highlighted the longstanding bond between the two nations and the continuous support provided by Greece in the struggle for a just resolution to the Cyprus issue.
