The views on a number of issues were analyzed by the independent candidate for President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulidis. He was hosted at Mesimeri kai Kati and spoke about the Cyprus issue, immigration, education, but also about his opponents.
He initially said that with his resignation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he visited all of Cyprus to talk to the citizens. "Through this dialogue I became wise and learned many things." He added that what concerns the world are everyday issues. "Accuracy, education, immigration and we all expect proposals to address these issues."
He added that people are asking for solutions to the problems. "Problems have no color or party."
He noted that there is a crisis of values and institutions and are problems that do not concern only Cyprus. "Currently, 55% of the country is represented in Parliament because 45% did not participate in the electoral process or chose formations that are not in Parliament."
Speaking about education, he said that "it is time to get away from the coverage system as much as possible and we must see how we connect the economy with education." The goal is through its program to meet the expectations of the Cypriot people.
Cypriot
Regarding the Cyprus issue, he stated that the goal regarding the desired solution of the Cyprus issue cannot be changed. "2004 was a significant success with accession to the European Union." He added that the accession affects the content and the initiatives for the settlement of the Cyprus problem. "The question is how we can break Turkey's intransigence. We must stop negotiating with each other. "The solution will be found with Turkey."
Speaking about the MOE, he stated that they aim to help resolve the Cyprus issue. "In no case can they act as a substitute for the solution." In relation to Turkey, he states that he is a fan of a dual approach. "And a carrot and a whip. And sanctions and MOE ". He stressed that the policy of sanctions has not been abandoned.
Asked to talk about the illegal actions in Famagusta, he said that he never underestimated the statements made by the occupiers and Turkey. "If there was a devaluation we would not take concrete action," he said.
He added that the attitude of the Republic of Cyprus is in accordance with the data. "I do not believe that Famagusta is lost and the dialogue should begin for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. He also stated that there is no possibility of Cyprus joining NATO.
migration
Nikos Christodoulidis also spoke about immigration, noting that there is a need for the Republic to respond to its international obligations. "The main issue is for our country to stop being an attractive destination for illegal immigrants."
He clarified that within a month he must clarify who are illegal immigrants. "Those who end up here do not have Cyprus as their first choice." He stressed that many services are involved in the issue of immigration, which is a problem.
Gold passports
He was then asked to comment on the scandal with the gold passports and whether he considers himself responsible.
Mr. Christodoulidis clarified that decisions of the competent Minister come to the Council of Ministers after a relevant control. "There is a systemic entanglement in Cyprus and we must find ways to deal with this phenomenon," he said.
Speaking about the candidacies of Averof Neophytos and Andreas Mavrogiannis, he stated that he has key differences and will develop them during the election campaign. "I hope that a pre-election campaign will be held on the basis of discussions, arguments and disagreements within the framework of democracy."
Finally, he stated that "we are here for the difficult and for the thorns".
See the discussion: