The current status quo in Cyprus, which does not allow the citizens of the Republic to enjoy the rights, the freedoms and the prosperity that are taken for granted by the citizens in the rest of the EU, should end, President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades stressed on Friday.
Addressing a bicommunal event in the village of Pyrga, in Larnaca District, entitled “Dancing for Peace”, President Anstasiades said that he and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akkintzi currently intensify their efforts in order to achieve a solution to the Cyprus problem.
He stressed that the effort to produce results at the negotiating table is important but it is equally important to encourage and cultivate a culture of coexistence and a notion that the island’s two communities can have a common future.
“We aspire to see that the acquis communautaire will be implemented throughout the island, as provided also by the Treaty of Accession (of Cyprus) to the EU,” the President underlined and reiterated that a federal Cyprus will be an EU member state and pointed out that this in itself is sufficient factor for stability and would create conditions for prosperity.
He noted that within the current international scene that dramatically changes, “a Cyprus solution will be a significant success for the international community as it will be the first successful example of conflict resolution through dialogue in the region.”
The President also said that together with Turkish Cypriot leader they acknowledge difficulties but also respect differences and move forward by investing in understanding. He stressed that their goal at the negotiation table is to converge the interests of the two communities by creating a functional and effective state.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. President Anastasiades and Mustafa Akinci have been engaged in UN-led talks since May 2015, with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.