|
31-12-2023 19:00 |
|
Fellow compatriots, In this first New Year’s
message that I address as the President of the Republic of Cyprus, I am fully
aware of the obligation and the profound responsibility towards the country
and the people, whom I deeply respect. The dawning of 2024 finds our country facing many challenges; first and foremost is, of course, the need to solve our national problem, end the occupation and achieve the liberation and reunification of our country. The new year marks fifty years
since the illegal Turkish invasion and the continued occupation of part of
our country. Fifty years of an unacceptable and unsustainable status quo. It
is a tragic reality with painful consequences which still exist as a result
of the blatant illegality: our displaced persons and victims, our heroic
enclaved persons, the families of the fallen, our missing persons and their
relatives. On behalf of the State, I can only express my respect and
appreciation, and promise that I will never tire of working for vindication. Ladies and Gentlemen, Since the first day I took
office, following your voting decision, I have been working to bring about
the conditions which will lead to the resumption of negotiations for a
solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the agreed framework, a
solution compatible with European principles and values. The appointment of
an envoy of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, as a result of our own
initiatives and persistent efforts, marks a significant first step. Of
course, I do not disregard the fact that the road is long and the
difficulties are evident. Nevertheless, it will soon become clear whether we
are on the verge of a new endeavour, for which I declare my readiness to work
in order to free our country from the hardships of occupation. This is the clear
message I want to convey to everyone, both in Cyprus and abroad. To all legal
citizens of our country: Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites,
Armenians and Latins. I am particularly addressing our Turkish Cypriot
compatriots, whom I would like to assure, once again, that our efforts are
aimed at their own interests as well, as citizens of the Republic of Cyprus,
as European citizens. Therefore, let us work together so that 2024 becomes a
historic milestone of reunification and peace, of a European state free of
occupying troops and foreign guarantees. Ladies and Gentlemen, The ongoing dramatic events in
our neighbourhood corroborate how precarious and fragile is the deceptive
peace in conflicts which have remained unresolved for years. As the European Union (EU)
Member State in proximity to the region and maintaining excellent relations
with all neighbouring states, the Republic of Cyprus has been actively
engaged, since day one, in finding a political solution to the crisis, while
at the same time it has taken the initiative for the provision of unhindered
humanitarian aid to those in need. Cyprus has also contributed as a transit
hub primarily for the safe evacuation of foreign nationals from the war zone,
attesting in practice to the fact that our country is a pillar of security
and stability in the wider region. Dear friends, Assuming the responsibility of
governing the country about ten months ago, I took over the reins of
government fully aware of the challenges we are facing. From the outset, my
priorities have been to secure conditions of safety, economic responsibility,
development, a holistic approach to the migration issue and the
implementation of bold reforms, which will improve the daily lives of all
citizens, thus solving long-standing problems. In these first ten months, we
have initiated solutions to a number of difficult issues in order to improve
the quality of life of citizens and support households and businesses. Today
is not the day for a detailed report. I will only say that in a very short
time, we have tackled complex and challenging problems which have been
pending for years. I will briefly mention some of
them:
In relation to the Migration
issue, allow me to address this specifically, as I am well aware of your
justified concerns and worries. The policies we are implementing have
drastically reduced the number of asylum seekers, the procedures for
examining applications have been expedited and, most importantly, the number
of non-beneficiaries leaving Cyprus exceeds those coming to our country.
Through a holistic approach, we lay the foundations so that our country is no
longer considered an attractive destination. Our approach is crystal clear;
those who enjoy the hospitality of our country are those who are entitled to
it, provided they respect the laws of the State and fulfil their
obligations. Ladies and Gentlemen, I will reiterate what I said
during the election campaign. We do not have a magic wand. There are no easy
solutions. We do, however, have a specific plan and strategy to address all
the major problems of Cypriot society and the necessary political will, without
any counterweights or anything holding us back, decisively and in accordance
with the Law. We have a plan and a strategy which we are implementing and
which is already bringing positive results in all policy areas. We are initiating solutions to
improve the quality of life of all Cypriot citizens and make their daily life
more qualitative and comfortable, including all our fellow citizens who
belong to vulnerable groups: the disabled, the children, large families, single
parents, the elderly who need our extra support, fostering an inclusive
society with respect and empathy. We are working in order to upgrade and to
provide equal access to healthcare services, to improve our education system
and, more broadly, education and culture, which are critical sectors for our
children; to improve working conditions for mothers, to alleviate traffic
congestion in cities and modernise public transport, promote green growth,
the digital transformation of our country and many more initiatives which
will enhance the competitiveness of our country, attract quality investment
and enable us to implement targeted social policies for those who need it.
Above all, they will improve our quality of life, facilitate our daily lives
and contribute to happier citizens and, hence, a healthier society. Together with all the members
of the Council of Ministers, through a people-centred approach, we place at
the core of our policies the improvement of services to citizens and the
promotion of measures which improve their daily lives: faster processing of
applications, rapid responses, more prompt service, less bureaucracy,
targeted social benefits. A state more friendly and helpful for citizens and
businesses. Dear friends, The goal of achieving what I
have mentioned above requires cooperation and joint effort, values that I
personally believe in. In practice, I seek cooperation with all institutions,
political forces and organised groups. I accept and listen carefully to criticism,
and always seek dialogue and consensus. It was precisely through this sincere
willingness to cooperate with all political forces that we achieved a broad
political consensus for the adoption of the first budget of our
administration a few days ago. The upgrading of the Cypriot
economy by the credit rating agencies and the recent approval of the state
budget – a development and surplus budget – constitute a well-structured
framework, a positive starting point in the great effort we have initiated to
create hope and perspective for the people of Cyprus. This satisfies and
motivates me to work harder to keep this steadily upward course. Within this
framework, in addition to our governance plan which is our social contract
with the Cypriot people, the Recovery and Resilience Plan is a key pillar of
our efforts. We have recently fulfilled important preconditions which will
allow our country to secure the next two financings, totalling more than €152
million. It is only through a responsible fiscal policy and continuous
bold reforms that we will make our economy strong and resilient, and thus be
able to effectively address serious challenges, building an efficient state
with efficient services and credible institutions, allowing no one to tarnish
our country's name and credibility. On corruption issues, we are determined
that there will be full investigation and punishment of those proven to be
involved, aiming to remove any doubt which tarnishes our country. I will be
unequivocal on this specific matter: No one's interests are above the
interests of the country and its citizens. There will be zero tolerance for
any illegality or abuse of power. Fellow compatriots, 2024 marks twenty years since
the Republic of Cyprus joined the great European family. Undoubtedly, this
has been the greatest and most important development since the establishment
of the Republic of Cyprus. As an experienced Member State of the EU, with a
voice and a role in all decisions taken, knowing well and first-hand how the
EU works and how to assert our country's interests more effectively, we lay
the foundations for a more promising future for our country, for the new
generation of our country, for our children. Our country's exceptional
manpower allows us to face tomorrow with more optimism and clearly envision
better days ahead. I have no doubt. I believe in
our strengths. I believe in Cyprus' potential and I am confident that the
path we have charted, through the daily small changes which will bring about
the big ones, will lead to progress, to prosperity, to success; so that we
witness Cyprus transforming itself, modernising itself, becoming greener;
becoming a citizen and business friendly environment for work and life; so
that we bequeath a safe and prosperous homeland to future generations. A homeland, I repeat, without
barbed wire and occupying armies. A free homeland reunited and, foremost,
proud. Dear friends, Last February you entrusted me
with your vote, giving me the mandate to lead our country for the next five
years. My governance plan is my social contract with you, and with vision, in
a methodical manner, with unhindered political will and determination, I will
continue to work towards its implementation, to meet your expectations and
enjoy the Cyprus we deserve. On the same path of
responsibility and honesty, I will continue to work tirelessly to make our
country more modern, prosperous for the many and not for the few, through the
implementation of policies which lay solid foundations for a healthy future
for us and our children. This effort is common,
collective, with human-centred policies. I have no doubt. I am confident
that we can take our country forward, where we deserve to be. Let us aim to the future with
optimism, hope and perspective. Welcome, 2024. Happy and Blessed Year to
everyone! Many blessings to you all! ____________________ Note: For the televised
address of the President of the Republic in Greek press here. Note: For the televised
address in the Turkish language press here. (GS/ASP/AP) |
