The disappointments, the obstacles, the difficulties as well as the interests and selfishness that interfere in our way, are never going to stop our effort for a solution to the Cyprus issue, the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulidis, said on Tuesday from Paralimni. He also said that "the occupation barbed wire that separates us from the sea-loving city of Famagusta is not insurmountable" speaking at the 10th Clerical Assembly of the Diocese of Constantia and Famagusta for the 50 years of invasion and occupation under the title "Famagusta Memories and Hope".
In the speech, read by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, the President stated that "this historic institution, which has been revived for several years by the relevant Diocese, at the initiative of its pastor, Mr. Vasilios, contributes substantially, among many others, to communication effort of the clergy and ecclesiastical staff of the parishes of the Metropolis, both with each other and with its head and more broadly with the Hierarchy of the Church".
At the same time he continued "this kind of initiatives are of special importance because, political and Church leadership, we know very well that we must give a voice to the citizens, maintain communication with them, share ideas, look for solutions to problems and, of course, face each other through a creative and human prism, based on mutual appreciation and respect. Especially those of us who have the privilege but, in particular, the responsibility to lead, proper communication with society, is the infallible compass that shows our course towards the common good, prosperity, progress, development and generally change for the better ».
The President of the Republic said that the efforts made and made by Metropolitan Basilios of Constantia and Famagusta "to save ecclesiastical monuments and relics of our occupied territories" are known.
He continued, saying that "the fifty years that have passed since the Turkish invasion of 1974, are long and decisive. This year, throughout the year, on the occasion of this sad anniversary, Cyprus is reassessing its wounds, recalling the events even more in its memory and experiencing this negative milestone in a special way".
In his speech, President Christodoulidis also mentioned that "the disappointments, the obstacles, the difficulties as well as the interests and selfishness that interfere in our way, are never going to stop our effort, or disorient us from our goal. In our dreams, the homeland we want is free and united, without an occupying army and foreign protectors."
Precisely within this framework, he continued, "we claim a solution based on the agreed framework, which utilizes the negotiated acquis and takes into account European principles and values. We seek a sustainable and durable solution, which ensures to all the legal residents of our country conditions of peace, security and prosperity".
We are therefore working intensively and methodically, said the President, "using the strong synergies we have created with our partners and our strategic partners, with Greece prominent, of course. With faith in the right of our struggle, with solid arguments and assertive realism, we are fighting for everything that every state and every European citizen is entitled to."
From this beautiful place, he said "at a distance very close to the ceasefire line, I want to send, without underestimating the difficulties and challenges, the optimistic and hopeful message that the occupation barbed wire that separates us from sea-loving Famagusta is not insurmountable".
He also said that the so far negative attitude of Mr. Tatar and the Turkish side "not only do not disappoint us but make us even more stubborn". "Everyone recognizes that it is also thanks to our own persistent efforts that the Secretary General of the United Nations is working on the next step, with the aim of resuming the negotiations that will lead to the resolution of the Cyprus issue" he continued.
At the same time, he expressed satisfaction because, as he explained, "the majority of the political leadership supports the efforts we are making to exhaust every negotiation margin to achieve the top national goal and realize the great dream, handing over to our children a free and united homeland. In this effort of ours for a better, safe and durable tomorrow for our country, I am sure that we have the support of the people, the clergy and also the Hierarchy".
Referring to the 10th Clerical Assembly of the Diocese of Constantia - Famagusta, the President of the Republic said that "among other things, it sends a resounding message in all directions. It turns its gaze towards its natural and historical seat, the city of Famagusta and measures 50 years of refugeehood"
President Christodoulidis wished that "the next Clerical and Popular Assembly will find us in front of new data, in a Cyprus of peaceful coexistence, free movement, application of all human rights. May he find us all again in the city of Famagusta, in a united Cyprus, where the bells will ring joyfully, and our churches will function normally and smoothly" he concluded.
Source: KYPE
