Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades has said that the positions of Turkey, which occupies part of Cyprus for 40 years now, obstruct efforts for a political settlement, and expressed hope that 2014 will be an inflection point for the island’s economic recovery and the modernization of the state.
In statements to the press, at the Epiphany Day Celebrations in Zygi fishing shelter, at the south coast of Cyprus between Limassol and Larnaca, Anastasiades said he wished that justice, values and principles, as well as rational thinking will prevail among the nations and their leaders, especially those nations that carry the burden of creating prospects for peace.”
“I am particularly referring to Turkey, which for 40 years now occupies our homeland and due to its positions hinders a peaceful settlement that will allow Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to co-exist and be able to create together and live in a modern European state,” Anastasiades noted.
He urged people to be patient, and noted that the financial situation of the country has been tragic but is gradually changing, expressing hope that 2014 will be an inflection point for the economy’s recovery and the modernization of the state.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory
