We should aim to strengthen the Republic of Cyprus’ status, President says

President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides has said that the aim cannot be anything other than strengthening the status of the Republic of Cyprus, both domestically and internationally.

The President made the remarks on Tuesday morning, after the military parade for the Independence Day of the Republic of Cyprus, celebrated on October 1st.

He said today is a “day of remembrance, honour, and pride for all those who fought for the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus and for all those who fought to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.”

The President emphasised that on such days, “we must reflect and acknowledge that this Republic, unfortunately, especially in its early years, was not appreciated as much as it should have been.” Over time, he added, we have all come to understand the significance of the Republic of Cyprus.

‘Our goal cannot be anything other than strengthening the status of the Republic of Cyprus, both internally and on an international level,’
he reiterated.

Domestically, he said, this is achieved by continuously modernising our state so that it can meet the needs of its citizens. Internationally, it is accomplished by enhancing the Republic of Cyprus’s presence and influence.

‘I am proud of our security forces. I am proud of our National Guard. A National Guard that we continue to strengthen, not only because there is a Turkish occupation and the deterrent power of the Republic of Cyprus needs to be bolstered, but also because the Republic of Cyprus, as an EU member state in a region of particular geostrategic significance, must be able to play its role as a pillar of security and stability in the region,’ he stated. He noted that this is also linked to enhancing the country’s influence, as demonstrated by initiatives taken by the government in recent times.

President Christodoulides concluded by wishing ‘Happy Independence Day to all.’

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