Although progress has been made in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, there are nevertheless many problems remaining and there is a long way ahead, President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades said on Sunday.
In an address at the unveiling of the upgraded monument for the heroes of Karavas Kithyra, Greece, read out by Deputy District Officer of Kyrenia Andreas Louca, the President referred to the close bonds between Greece and Cyprus, and expressed support for the struggle of Greece to tackle the migration crisis and overcome the financial crisis.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, the President said that “over the past year we have begun an even more ambitious effort to solve the Cyprus issue”.
“For us, there is no alternative or other way, than to bring peace to our country”, he said, noting that this was the aim during negotiations with the Turkish Cypriot side for the creation of a federal state with respect to the rights of the citizens, and with the acquis communautaire covering the whole island.
He pointed out that “progress has been made but there are still problems and the road ahead is long”.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-led talks are currently underway to reunify the island under a federal roof.