President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades underlined on Thursday evening the collective responsibility in creating conditions that will lead to a fair – under the circumstances – Cyprus solution, based on European law. The goal is to create the conditions for free movement and establishment, without the presence of Turkish occupation troops, he underlined.
The President was speaking during the unveiling in Nicosia, of a bust by EOKA hero Gregoris Afxentiou, who fought during the anti-colonial struggle in the mid 50s. We will either prove worthy of people`s trust in liberating and reuniting Cyprus or turn out to be unworthy to lead, he added.
This does not mean that we would ever accept any solution, the President went on, noting however, that we need to give this fight with decisiveness, while bearing in mind our own strengths and capabilities.
The President warned finally of the consequences of the Turkish occupation, due to the passage of time. We all need to consider how we will guarantee the continuation of Greek Cypriots on the island and how we will deter the risks from developments in Turkey or the region, he concluded.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.
Peace talks are currently underway to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country, under a federal roof.