The dangers from the current situation in Cyprus and the ongoing division of the island are much more than those some claim to exist, despite the genuine concerns they express, President Anastasiades has said. Speaking on Sunday in Limassol, the President said that developments during the current period create hope for the beginning of substantial negotiations that will lead to a permanent solution to the Cyprus problem.
He called on everyone to cooperate “so that we can all form a united front in order to overcome the difficulties ahead. This is the only way,” he added, “which will help us to tell our children that they don`t have to migrate to find jobs and to face the economic instability,” noting that economic problems get worse due to the fact that there is no settlement of the Cyprus problem or because there is uncertainty among both the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots.
He added that a solution needs to be just and viable, on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation that will safeguard the human rights and the fundamental principles of the EU. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. A new round of UN-backed talks is expected to commence in the following weeks with the aim to reunite the island under a federal roof.
