The Greek Cypriot side under no circumstances will be led into the competitive frenzy that Turkey is trying to create, President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades has said adding that provocations cannot be handled with statements or by showing off.
In a speech at the graduation ceremony of post graduate students of the University of Cyprus, President Anastasiades said the Republic of Cyprus is making all necessary representations to all international organisations and the EU and has conveyed to the UNSG`s Deputy Special Adviser on Cyprus and resident Special Representative Elizabeth Spehar that the Greek Cypriot side is ready to resume the dialogue for a Cyprus settlement, provided that all actions that are contrary to international law cease immediately.
The President discussed the situation in Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone during a meeting with Spehar on Thursday as drillship Saipem 12000, commissioned by Italian energy company ENI, was halted last Friday by Turkish warships en route to a location within block 3 of Cyprus’ EEZ.
He said “the sovereignty of the country must be respected. That is why we insist that anachronistic traditions such as guarantor agreements, intervention rights and maintaining a permanent army should immediately end”.
What we are pursuing, the President added, is an honourable solution, that will respect the concerns of all lawful inhabitants of the country, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and at the same time create a modern country that is completely independent. Only under such circumstances or such framework we can really build a country that will have a future and will safeguard the younger generation.
He said that during the election campaign, all candidates were talking about innovation, investment and technology and exploiting the human dynamic of our country. It is time to put these words into action and to honour our commitments and create an environment that will allow you to highlight your knowledge and virtues, President Anastasiades told the graduates.
The President said we need young people that we can invest on and contribute to modernize the country and create solid foundations.
President Anastasiades said that he acknowledges the significance of research and innovation, adding “we aim to turn Cyprus into a regional centre of applied knowledge” and that the government will invest more than 350 million euro for research infrastructure at universities and expanding the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics as well as KIOS and RISE research centres.
Our aim is that investment in research will reach 1.5% of the GDP, and providing incentives for private investment in the fields of robotics, artificial intelligence, 3D printing and virtual reality.
He also said that a bill has been tabled to allow for the creation of University spin-offs.