A federal Cyprus has become an inevitable national need, says President

A federal Cyprus, even if it was once considered to be a painful compromise, has now become “an inevitable national need”, President Nicos Anastasiades said yesterday.

Speaking in a televised address on the occasion of Cyprus’ independence day, he said the 53rd anniversary of the establishment of the Republic found Cyprus in a very difficult position.

He said the Cypriot state that was created in 1960 has run its course and what is needed now is a new model for a new era that will respect and serve the public, restore meritocracy and social justice, inspire confidence, and also define the responsibilities of politicians.

“Without a doubt, we are going through the most critical period since the 1974 Turkish invasion,” he said. “Never before did we face so many challenges and deadlocks on a national, economic and social level.”

Timeless problems, indecisiveness, diffidence, and fear of taking responsibility, petty politics and ambition, as well as wrong strategic choices led the country to the brink of destruction, he said.

He added that it could all have possibly been avoided if politicians had acted with prudence and realism, correctly judging the geopolitical conditions and balance of powers, he said, adding that he didn’t mean this as a personal criticism towards anyone in particular.

“It is time – assessing the past objectively — to stand united and look to the future, to regroup and move forward to revive our homeland,” Anastasiades said.

He said his administration had four goals: to reform the state, tackle the economic crisis, redesign the country’s foreign policy, and reunite the island.

“Ending the occupation and reunifying our country will remain our utmost priority, under conditions that will allow all Cypriots without exception, to live peacefully,” he said.

Addressing the Turkish Cypriot community, Anastasiades said that while they should take his honest desire and determination to find a solution for granted, they should not expect that he would accept a solution that did not meet the expectations of Greek Cypriots or one that would turn Greek or Turkish Cypriots into second class EU citizens.

“I feel absolutely certain that we all want, can, and will succeed in achieving our goals and realise our visions, provided we are united,” the president said. “Cyprus can and will soon be a different country. A European, united, robust and safe country, an agent of peace and stability in our region.”

US sends messages of support

The President of the US, Mr Barack Obama, in a congratulatory message to President Anastasiades on the occasion of Cyprus’ independence day, said the United States remains deeply committed to supporting a comprehensive settlement that will bring peace and prosperity to all the people of Cyprus.

“We look forward to deepening our strong friendship based on those values, and working together to secure a safer and more prosperous future for Cypriots and Americans alike”, he said.

US Secretary of State, John Kerry, also sent a message saying that the partnership between the United States and Cyprus has never been stronger.

“We are hopeful that renewed negotiations between leaders from the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities will bring about a comprehensive settlement to reunify the island. The United States will continue to support the efforts under U.N. auspices towards the reunification of the island as a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.

Procedure for the talks to be discussed

The respective negotiators of the two communities, Andreas Mavriyiannis and Osman Ertug, will meet tomorrow to discuss the procedure for the new round of negotiations, Government Spokespman Christos Stylianides announced.

Asked when the talks would start, the Spokesman said what was more important was that the ground is properly prepared in advance to improve the prospects for a positive outcome.

Does it make sense to maintain a dead city?

The Turkish side forgets that the 1979 High Level Agreement between Kyprianou and Denktash had promised the return of Varosha, says Turkish Cypriot columnist, Bekir Azgin writing in Havadis newspaper.

“For some reason no one remembers this today. Probably because it does not suit us. Would it be so bad if the strong side made such a gesture during these days when the negotiations start up again?”

Varosha would be the most appropriate place to start the negotiations from, he says, adding that both sides would benefit from the investments that will be made in Varosha at a time when the economy on both sides is in a pitiful situation.

“Does it make sense to maintain a dead city?” he concludes.