The independent candidate for the presidency of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulidis, made a statement on the day after the first round of the presidential elections.
Mr. Christodoulidis made an official call to DISY. Among other things, he said that "I feel today, in particular, the need to address both the leadership and the world of the Democratic Alert, which I did not stop for a moment to regard with respect and appreciation. Besides, I have never renounced where I come from party-wise, as well as my political origins"
Such a statement:
"The day after the first round of the presidential elections finds us, with optimism and determination, continuing the great effort together.
The dominant message from the beginning for unity and national understanding with the aim of more effectively dealing with the many challenges, is being embraced by more and more of our fellow citizens.
These presidential elections are being held at a critical moment for the future of Cyprus. We are at a political, economic and social crossroads. What is urgent is to focus, always in a spirit of unity and cooperation, among others,
– in the search for a solution to the Cyprus issue on the basis of the agreed framework, utilizing our status as an EU member state and of course the European acquis, through an assertive foreign policy,
– in strengthening the deterrent power of our country by reviving the Unified Defense Doctrine and close cooperation with Greece and the European Union,
– in upgrading the role of the Republic of Cyprus as a factor of security and stability in the region of the wider Middle East,
– in the immediate and effective treatment of immigration and
– in ensuring fiscal stability and the development path of the economy, taking into account the international challenges we have before us today.
As you know, in this great effort of our independent candidacy, putting above all the interest of the homeland, forces were joined with the goal of perspective and hope for the Cyprus of tomorrow. They all went above and beyond for Cyprus, for the public interest. For the Cypriot people.
So today, I want to thank everyone warmly, parties, personalities, ordinary citizens and assure them that if and as long as the Cypriot people honor me with their vote, I will do everything possible to justify their choice, responding to the expectations of Cypriot society. Principled mobilization is more necessary than ever.
For this reason and once again I appeal to all citizens, regardless of political or ideological choice, of any social and economic origin, to support our candidacy.
I feel today, in particular, the need to address both the leadership and the world of the Democratic Alert, which I did not stop for a moment to regard with respect and appreciation. After all, I have never renounced where I come from party-wise, as well as my political origins. Circumstances may have led us down different paths, this may, yes, have caused feelings of frustration, but at this moment the dilemma before us requires, more than ever before, a joining of forces. For the good of our country, cooperation is required. Because what is important is to ensure that we do not return to policies that led the Cypriot people, that led our country to political and economic dead ends.
In this context, I already contacted the President of the Democratic Alarm, Mr. Averof Neophytou, expressing my desire for a meeting and a constructive discussion.
I repeat in conclusion, that the goal remains, what was and is the demand of the citizens, the need to join forces in order to achieve an effective response to the great challenges that we have before us. It is my deep conviction that a role, indeed an important one, should also be played by the Democratic Alarm, the faction that throughout time, through policies and partnerships, defends the economic and national stability and progress of our country within our great European family.
I am sure that for the good of Cyprus, to prevent setbacks, to build on what has been achieved, but also to correct what is wrong, a spirit of cooperation and joining forces will prevail".