We are trying to build alliances that will allow us to hope that in the talks, aiming to solve the Cyprus problem, we will have the support not only of our European partners but also of those with which we forge relations and which can exert their influence on Turkey, Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades has said.
According to an official press release, addressing soldiers and army officers during a visit he paid at a military camp on Friday, Anastasiades said he was proud “because through your high-level training and your professionalism your military units are really combat ready.”
He expressed his satisfaction with the modernization of the army, with a view be more effective to act as as deterrent.
Anastasiades expressed his wishes to the soldiers and the army officers on the occasion of Easter and at the same time wished freedom for Cyprus.
“We are working systematically towards this direction. We are trying to build alliances that will allow us to hope that in the dialogue which follows, despite the fact that it will be a hard one, our positions will at least enjoy the support not only of our European partners, but also of those with which we forge relations and which can exert their influence on Turkey,” he noted.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. President Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu reached on February 11, 2014, an agreement, which led to the resumption of UN- backed peace talks, with a view to reunite the country under a federal roof.