President on the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades expressed on Monday hope that “Turkey, an occupying force in Cyprus, will demonstrate genuine political will to reach a settlement, not via rhetoric assurances, but through the adoption of concrete steps which will positively underpin the negotiating process and the climate of hope prevailing in the island.”
Anastasiades was speaking at a formal ceremony, at the Presidential Palace, during which he received the credentials of the Ambassador of Honduras to the Republic of Cyprus, stationed in Tel Aviv, José Isaias Barahova Herrera, who, on his part, expressed support to Anastasiades` ongoing efforts, under the auspices of the United Nations’ Secretary General’s Good Offices Mission, for a just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus problem, based on the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant Security Council Resolutions.
“We are convinced that such a settlement will be to the benefit both of the Cypriot people as a whole, as well as your wider region,” Herrera, noted.
Referring to the Cyprus problem and to the ongoing negotiations for a comprehensive settlement, Anastasiades noted that while a common understanding on an important number of issues has been reached, there are still remaining differences in all chapters and we have yet to embark on substantive discussions in a number of core issues.
“At the same time, there are also issues on which even if we reach a common understanding, the complexities associated with their implementation require time and careful planning. Thus, it is vital to be well-prepared and present to the people a clear Plan, so as to avoid reaching a solution with considerable gaps or ambiguities that will negatively affect its viability,” he added.
On my behalf, he went on, “I would like to reiterate my sincere willingness and determination to work tirelessly to achieve a settlement based on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality, as set out in the relevant Security Council Resolutions, the High Level Agreements and the Joint Declaration of February 2014, with a single international legal personality, a single sovereignty and a single citizenship.”
“A viable and functional solution in line with the European Union acquis, values and principles; a European solution that will safeguard the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Cypriots,” he added.
Referring to the bilateral relations between Cyprus and Honduras, Ambassador Herrera said that they “provide us with concrete opportunities for mutual cooperation in fields such as tourism, in which Cyprus’ experience is valuable for Honduras; so it is in our interest to reach an agreement of cooperation in this field,” he added.
Furthermore, he noted that the European Union Central American Association Agreement (EU-CAAA) is an ideal platform to expand trade between the two countries. “We recognize and applaud the cooperation that Cyprus already performs as a member state of the European Union, of which Honduras is a beneficiary,” he noted.
He went on to say that for the Government of Honduras, the strengthening of political ties with the Republic of Cyprus is of great importance, “so we assign high priority to the establishment of a Mechanism for Bilateral Policy Consultation and Mutual Cooperation, which allows us to know better and on time, circumstances, needs and opportunities of mutual supportiveness between our Governments and to act in a coordinated and effective way that supports the achievement of our shared interests. There is no doubt that the support among our democracies will contribute to development, stability and security of our peoples,” he added.
Furthermore, he stressed that his country recognizes the Republic of Cyprus as a nation facing special challenges, arising from its history and its geographic position. “And we have noted with interest the course of the events, which allows us to say that your country has made efforts to solve the challenge that has existed since the beginning of its history as a State,” he noted.
He said that Honduras and Cyprus thrust for global peace and security. “Along those lines both countries recognize that confidence-building is an essential element to promote coexistence, the respect for human rights, and economic development and growth, to the benefit of their peoples” he noted.
On his part, President Anastasiades said that “our countries have established relations based on our shared values and beliefs of justice and peace, evident through our close cooperation in international fora and especially within the UN. Our existing bilateral relations undoubtedly provide a foundation to further promote our cooperation in new areas, such as tourism, trade and education, as we are certain that the prospects of furthering our cooperation are truly great, he noted.
Referring to the economic situation in Cyprus, Anastasiades said that “our path to recovery has been faster than anyone could have predicted three years ago. After almost four years of recession, the Cyprus economy returned to positive economic growth rates in 2015 by registering GDP growth of 1.6%.”
“With a restructured and fully recapitalized banking sector – mainly through important international investors – fiscal imbalances permanently addressed, and a program of radical structural reforms, Cyprus has managed to access the international capital markets much earlier than any other program country,” he said.
“Looking ahead, we are confident that the economy will be on solid ground in the medium and long term. Major goals of the Government for 2016 are to entrench growth and create conditions for sustainable development. Our key policy priorities include: the macroeconomic and financial stability, the promotion of structural reforms (including, inter alia, the reform of the public service administration, health system, social policy and the promotion of the privatization programme) as well as the promotion of investments,” he noted.
“We have learnt valuable lessons the hard way. We still need to tackle significant challenges. And yet, we choose to see this crisis as an opportunity. An opportunity to pursue reforms, to sharpen our competitive edge, to attract foreign direct investments with the ultimate goal of achieving sustained growth and prosperity for all Cypriots,” Anastasiades concluded.