President Nicos Anastasiades reiterated on Tuesday that his primary goal is the re-launching of the Cyprus talks, under UN auspices that will be properly and thoroughly prepared and unequivocally conducted in accordance with the United Nations resolutions.
The President received on Tuesday the credentials of the new High Commissioner of India, Shri Ravi Bangar, at a formal ceremony at the Presidential Palace.
“I would like to reiterate my commitment and resolve to work relentlessly aiming at reaching a viable and lasting settlement based on a series of High-Level Agreements between the leaders of the two communities and the relevant United Nations Resolutions that will address the concerns of both communities and of all Cypriots” the President said.
“As President of the Republic, I am committed more than ever before to do my utmost in order to end the division and reunify the island. In this framework, my primary goal is the re-launching of negotiations under UN auspices that will be properly and thoroughly prepared and unequivocally conducted in accordance with the United Nations resolutions providing for a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined in the relevant resolutions with a single sovereignty, single citizenship and single international personality and restoring and respecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Cypriots and their longing to live in a normal and prosperous European country” he added.
President Anastasiades noted that “these objectives must be jointly and clearly shared in order for the negotiating process to bear fruit. The settlement must serve, above all, the legitimate interests and aspirations of the people of Cyprus as a whole”.
He also said he was convinced that the reunification of Cyprus will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the turbulent region of the Eastern Mediterranean, which is in much need of security and prosperity.
The President said that Cyprus and India have traditionally shared excellent relations, based on common historical experiences, adding that the virtues of their friendship provide them with a unique opportunity to surge ahead, exploring new areas of cooperation.
A number of bilateral Agreements need to be finalized and signed and others to be implemented in a spirit of mutual understanding, President Anastasiades said, adding that his Government looks forward to the positive conclusion of the negotiations for the signing of the text of a new revised Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation.
“Any differences that arose, which are quite natural in a legal text, cannot and should not be allowed to cast their shadow over the smooth development of our bilateral relationship” he noted.
Anastasiades said that “despite the many adversities it faces, the challenges that it confronts and the tasks it is called to perform, democracy in India has managed to pass the test successfully” and underlined the “important and stabilizing role” India plays in the neighbourhood of South Asia, especially where strong leadership is needed, as in the case of Afghanistan.
Presenting his credentials, Bangar referred to the close ties between the two peoples and countries and noted that India has always supported the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus.
Bangar reiterated that India will continue its unwavering support to Cyprus, adding that his country follows with interest President Anastasiades’ personal initiatives towards the resolution of the Cyprus problem.
“We hope that a just and lasting solution will be found to this issue, in accordance with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and the aspiration of the people of Cyprus” said the new High Commissioner of India.
He also noted that the two countries also cooperate closely in multilateral fora such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Commonwealth.
“India deeply appreciates the support Cyprus has extended on issues of vital concern to it and values Cyprus` support to India`s candidature for a permanent membership in the expanded UNSC” he said.
The High Commissioner expressed confidence that “despite the 2013 crisis, Cyprus will emerge stronger as it has done so successfully in overcoming challenges in the past” and that continuing the tradition of high level contacts between the two countries will further strengthen their close and friendly relations.
Bangar said he was hopeful that recent developments concerning India-Cyprus Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement will be resolved amicably through negotiations.
