The return of Famagusta is an opportunity for Turkey to show some signs of goodwill for a solution to the Cyprus problem.
This was stated tonight by the Minister of Defense Fotis Fotiou in his greeting during an event of the Holy Monastery of Apostolos Barnabas, at the Cultural Foundation of the Holy Monastery of Kykkos, in Archangelos.
"Tonight's event expresses the conviction and the deepest hope of the Cypriot state and the entire Cypriot people," he said.
The proposal, he added, "of our side, which concerns the return of the fenced area of Famagusta to its inhabitants, is a desire of years".
According to the Minister of Defense, "this is an opportunity for Turkey to give some signs of good will for a solution to the Cyprus problem."
"The return of the city of Famagusta to its legal inhabitants will be a first positive step, which will prove in practice that Turkey is ready to enter the new round of talks, with a real will to find a solution to the Cyprus problem," he noted.
Referring to the Apostle Barnabas, Mr. Fotiou said that his example "should become a beacon in human relations, especially in the difficult conditions that our people are going through today."
"The economic crisis has left its mark on every aspect of our lives," he said, adding that it "causes deterioration and decline in mood with social dimensions."
He expressed the position that "we must safeguard as a pupil our values, principles and Greek Orthodox traditions".
"We are rebuilding forces and in a context of collective spirit, sympathy and solidarity, we are focusing on the goals we have set. "In our plans to overturn the negative data and return to growth rates, for the prosperity and progress of our people," he said.