The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, spoke about the country’s journey from independence to the present day in a televised message marking the 66th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, noting the significance of the anniversary and honoring those who contributed to its creation and defense.

In his message, he focuses on the Cyprus issue and the effort to resume negotiations, while also referring to government policies on the economy, reforms, social policy, and the strengthening of national defense. He also makes special mention of Cyprus’s role in the region and its international partnerships, emphasizing, as he states, the goal of a “free and reunited” Cyprus.

The President’s message in its entirety

Fellow Citizens,

On the occasion of the 66th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Cyprus, I address each and every one of you with feelings of appreciation and respect, expressing the State’s gratitude to all those who took part in EOKA’s unprecedented national liberation struggle, which led to the creation of the independent Cypriot state.

With a sense of pride, we also honor today the founders of the Republic of Cyprus, all those who defended the rule of law and stood on the front lines for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of our homeland.

The significance, of course, of this day is not limited to commemorative proclamations. The establishment of the Republic of Cyprus was and remains the most significant turning point in our country’s long history; after centuries of oppression and slavery, it became an independent and sovereign state.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Unfortunately, this year’s anniversary is not as festive as we would like it to be. Inevitably, our thoughts turn today to all those who still suffer from the consequences of the illegal Turkish invasion and the ongoing occupation, which remains an open wound for our homeland and our people.

Despite the devastation caused by the unspeakable tragedy of 1974, our people, never forgetting and never ceasing to struggle, managed to get back on their feet, achieving the reconstruction of the state, the economy, and society.

This unparalleled achievement of our parents and grandparents serves as the example that guides every one of our actions and efforts toward liberation, reunification, and vindication.

Thirty years after the catastrophe of 1974, the Republic of Cyprus, in 2004, joined the great European family and is now recognized by the entire international community as a modern state, with enviable achievements in all sectors, with credibility, a voice and a role in major issues, and a standing that extends beyond its geographical, demographic, and economic stature. We are therefore justifiably proud of the Republic of Cyprus.

Friends,

The occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus by force of arms, remains a source of threat, affects our collective sense of security, and limits the prospects of our country and our people. Resolving this unacceptable situation remains my top priority and my foremost concern.

For more than three years now, we have been making a great effort to break the deadlock and return to the negotiating table, to seek a solution based on the agreed framework, the negotiating acquis, and the Principles, Values, and Law of the European Union.

Unfortunately, we are not where we would like to be, but this does not discourage us, and it certainly will not lead us to inaction and inactivity, because such a course of action serves only those who wish to perpetuate the status quo.

The Turkish President’s unacceptable claims from the rostrum of the United Nations General Assembly regarding a two-state solution demonstrate who is truly responsible for the lack of substantive progress.

Despite the obstacles, problems, and difficulties, however, I remain fully committed to the effort to create the conditions that will allow negotiations to resume.

The completion of the inventory of areas of convergence, the reaffirmation of the framework for a solution by the United Nations, the outgoing Secretary-General’s strong determination to exhaust every avenue for negotiation, the Security Council’s clear position on the form of a solution to the Cyprus problem, the support of the institutions, leaders, and member states of the European Union, as demonstrated, among other things, by the appointment of the Executive Vice President of the Commission, as well as the support of our other strategic partners—are factors that allow us to be optimistic that, yes, the prospect of a solution remains within our reach and is an achievable goal. 

I feel completely at peace with my conscience that I am doing what I promised the citizens and doing everything humanly possible to bring an end to the occupation, to liberate our homeland, and to reunify it.

For us, reunification is our sole goal and aspiration. Reunification through a solution that will transform the Republic of Cyprus into a modern state, sovereign over its entire territory, free of an occupying army and free of guarantor powers with intervention rights, in which all its lawful citizens will have exactly the same rights as other European citizens.

This is the mandate I received from the Cypriot people. I remain a realist; I am aware of the limits of our position, and I am prepared to make concessions that serve the goal of liberation and reunification, but under no circumstances will I resort to actions for the sake of false progress.

I do not downplay the difficulties, nor do I underestimate the obstacles. I focus on solving the problem and draw determination and strength from the prospects offered by a free and reunified country.

As long as the effort continues, the window of opportunity remains open. And as far as I am concerned, I will continue to invest in cooperation with all political forces and will do everything in my power to make the most of even the faintest glimmer of hope for the vindication of our people.

With assertive realism, seriousness, perseverance, methodical approach, and dedication, I have no doubt that we can, indeed, achieve the desired result.

Fellow Citizens,

Our effort to resolve the Cyprus issue cuts across all our policies and is supported by our strategy to strengthen all of our country’s sources of power, both domestic and foreign.

Domestically, we are constantly striving for bold reforms, the modernization of institutions, strengthen the rule of law, combat corruption, address the migration issue, invest in social welfare, improving citizens’ daily lives, and, of course, reinforcing citizens’ sense of security in all areas.

At the same time, strengthening the National Guard and enhancing our country’s deterrent capability is a non-negotiable priority for our Government. The Republic of Cyprus is not directed against anyone, but by enhancing its deterrent capability, it exercises its right to self-defense against the real threats that surround it.

All of the above, which also strengthen our country’s standing, cannot be achieved without a strong and resilient economy.

The continuous upgrades by all rating agencies and the praise from European and international institutions constitute a vote of confidence in our country and the Cypriot economy.

The economy’s performance is among the best in Europe—and this, in fact, in the midst of two wars. The upward growth rate, among the highest in the Eurozone, the prevalence of full employment in the labor market, the remarkable reduction in public debt, and several other factors, are the result of the responsible economic policy we are pursuing.

Despite these remarkable achievements, I am well aware of the pressure that high inflation— resulting from external factors, combined with the price increases in goods and services caused by the energy crisis, as well as housing costs.

However, the state’s financial resources allow us to implement a series of measures to support the vulnerable, the middle class, households, and businesses. At the same time, thanks to our government’s financial capacity, we are moving forward with policies aimed at increasing disposable family income, such as tax reform, pension system reform, expanding eligibility for child allowances, subsidizing tuition and meals for children, subsidizing residence and care in senior living facilities, vocational training, training, and employment for adults with disabilities over the age of 22, among many other measures. Our fiscal responsibility allows us to invest in health care, education, the welfare state, and all areas that improve citizens’ daily lives.

And all our policy decisions are made on the basis of social liberalism, which constitutes the ideological and political foundation of the Government, through a holistic, sustainable, and cost-effective program, far removed from the policies of the past that led our country into turmoil.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our country is located in a region of particular geopolitical instability, facing many challenges and problems that require collective management. The Republic of Cyprus leverages its European status and, of course, the synergies it has developed with European and third countries to make a meaningful contribution and to have a voice and a role in anything that affects the country and our people.

Through its actions, Cyprus is transforming its geographical position into a strategic advantage. Through specific initiatives and actions, it is becoming a hub of stability, a transit point for the safe evacuation of civilians, a corridor for the delivery of humanitarian aid, and a bridge for cooperation. The whole world recognizes this, and we are justifiably proud that Cyprus, our homeland, is walking the path of responsibility—always as part of the solution and never as part of the problem.

Rightly so, then, today’s anniversary fills us with pride in the achievements of our people, in the dignity with which they have persevered under adverse conditions, with determination, fortitude, and resilience.

In the 66 years of its existence, and despite the wounds inflicted by Turkish aggression, the Republic of Cyprus has proven that it possesses the resilience to move forward with even greater security and self-confidence. 

Today, therefore, we renew our pledge that we will never accept the illegal status quo and that we will continue the struggle until we can move about freely throughout the entire territory of the Republic of Cyprus.

In our dreams, the future of Cyprus can be nothing less than a shared homeland for all its lawful residents—Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians, and Latins—without exclusion, without discrimination, and without exception.

A homeland, a Member State of the European Union, that will guarantee its citizens the right to live, work, and create in conditions of security, peace, and prosperity.

This is the future we envision for our people. This is the future we owe it to our children to pass on.

Happy Anniversary, Republic of Cyprus!