The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, addressed a message with strong religious, national and political symbolism in his Easter televised address, a few hours before the Resurrection. The President referred to the long-standing demand for the liberation and reunification of Cyprus, clarifying that the Greek Cypriot side will not compromise with the occupation, while at the same time he sent a message of unity, seriousness and continuation of the effort both for the Cyprus problem and for the strengthening of the state and society.
The President's address:
Compatriots,
In a few hours we welcome the joyful news of the Resurrection of the Lord. The end of the Passion. The news of the Victory of the undying Light. The Victory of Life.
On this, the most important day of Orthodoxy, when the faithful are called to be "brightened", to be filled with light and joy as Christ defeated Death to give life to all, I address each and every one of you with respect and appreciation.
I wish you from the bottom of my heart that the Light of the Resurrection will bless your own life, your families and your loved ones. To enlighten you, to strengthen you.
The Holy Week of the Passion ends with the seemingly impossible for Man. But "That which is impossible with men is possible with God".
Faith dominates, and the Resurrection comes. The faith that together with hope and anticipation are the support in the daily struggle of each of us.
Dear Ones,
Soon the bells throughout free Cyprus will ring joyfully. We will wish "Happy Birthday" and say to each other "Christ is Risen" in the hope that the Holy Light will strengthen us in our struggles, strengthen us spiritually and become the sun of Liberation that will cover the whole of Cyprus.
The bells of the Resurrection will not, unfortunately, ring, once again, in our occupied villages and cities. The tragic consequences of the 1974 invasion continue and torment our country and its people.
That is why our thoughts remain with the refugees, the relatives of the fallen and missing as well as our heroic trapped. I convey to everyone the gratitude of the state and our people, along with the promise that we will never, ever compromise with the occupation.
We never stop our struggle. We continue tirelessly the great effort, with the aim of the immediate resumption of negotiations for the solution of the Cyprus problem, on the basis of the agreed framework and the negotiating acquis, with respect to the Principles, Values and Law of the European Union.
No matter how many difficulties there are, no matter what intransigence we face, we work to overcome the obstacles. We owe it to our ancestors, we owe it to the next generations who deserve a free, reunited, safe homeland.
A free State from end to end, where all its legal citizens – Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins – will enjoy human rights and basic freedoms throughout its territory, just as it is in the rest of Europe.
That is why we work every day, on the basis of a specific plan and planning, on the basis of our ideological-political framework, strengthening all the power factors of our country, internal and external, strengthening and shielding Cyprus.
We strengthen the Economy, Defense, Security, we upgrade the International Status of the Republic of Cyprus.
We are modernizing our state through bold reforms, we are investing substantially in Education, Health, the Welfare State, Housing, Labour and in all areas that improve the daily life of the citizen.
At the same time, through an extrovert foreign policy, we are concluding alliances and partnerships, we are an active and reliable member state of the European Union with excellent relations in the wider region. Our country, the country holding the presidency this semester of the Council of the European Union, is part of the hard core of the great European family, with a say and a role in what is happening in Brussels and in the great effort for further European integration.
I am proud of our country that can play a leading role, receive support there and when needed. Which is treated equally and with respect by its partners.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
There is no Life without the Cross. However, there is no Golgotha without Resurrection.
And there is no good and just struggle, a struggle of selflessness, offering and solidarity without vindication, without victory.
As long as we remain focused and united in our daily battles, responding to the expectations and real needs of society, focusing on the public interest, on the good of the many, so that citizens can prosper, realize their dreams, just as they deserve.
Together, we must face, united and strong as a society and a people, all challenges. After all, the goals are common. Our homeland, which we all love, is common.
So, away from populism and toxicity. With seriousness and consistency. To give all the struggles together. At home and abroad.
Dear Ones,
We are all following the geopolitical developments. Recent events in our region, war and human suffering understandably cause feelings of frustration, insecurity and fear.
In these unpredictable times, with such complex problems that leave no country unaffected, the need for Seriousness, Unity, Prudence and Responsibility is clearly demonstrated: Of the state, of the institutions, of society, but also of each of us on an individual level.
Our Government has proven that it can and does deal decisively and immediately with crises. Through a comprehensive governance program, we have succeeded in the last three years in strengthening and shielding our country. To prepare it properly for the difficult times. With responsibility and without populism and experiments.
We continue to stay committed to our goals.
We continue with the same consistency and methodology to implement our governance program with Man at the center of all our policies and with hard work and respect for each and every one of us, changing and upgrading our country:
For our economy to remain strong and resilient, for our state to be more modern and fair, and for us to be able to implement a social policy that supports each citizen according to their needs.
With methodical and non-negotiable responsibility, we offer citizens Security, in every aspect of their daily lives.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A few hours before the message of the Resurrection of the Lord spreads throughout the World, before we too become partakers of the Victory of Life over Death and hold the Holy Light in our hands, our thoughts turn to all those who suffer and carry their own personal or family cross.
After all, the message of the Resurrection is not only a message of the abolition of Death and the prevalence of Life, but also a message to live in the Now without fear and with love for our fellow human beings, to "brighten" ourselves and to live a Life of offering.
For this reason, let each of us become a carrier of Love, Empathy and Solidarity. Let us run to the help of the neighbour who needs it, let us open our hearts and our homes, so that we can put into practice the true message of the Resurrection.
And most importantly: Let's move forward, TOGETHER as a Society, with unity and respect for all. For the Resurrection and VICTORY in every small or big struggle of our people. Of our Cyprus.
Happy Easter. Happy Birthday, and Happy Freedom!
