By Andria Kades
Without wanting to create unrealistic expectations, the New Year may be the year which will put an end to Cyprus’ occupation, President Nicos Anastasiades said on Thursday in a televised message to the public expressing his wishes for 2016.
Addressing Greek Cypriots he sought to stress his continuous efforts to work tirelessly over negotiations to resolve the Cyprus problem adding that deviating from National Council decisions (by the political parties) carried a risk of damaging the conditions which would allow for a solution in the future.
Anastasiades also sought to reassure Turkish Cypriots that on the basis of an agreed solution any concerns they faced would be met.
“I want to assure them that I do not underestimate the concerns expressed,” he said. “The solution basis agreed definitively eliminates any concern that rightly or wrongly go back to the past”.
“I want to assure you that my quest is not a solution that will create winners and losers. Our common desire should be the creation of a common homeland that through the legally regulated mutual respect of its citizens will create conditions of stability and prosperity and will function as an example of peaceful coexistence regardless of ethnic origin or religious belief,” Anastasiades added.
“The only way to end the regime of uncertainty and isolation or deprivation of the benefits of participation in a modern European state, is the acceptance of a solution that will not disregard the rights and concerns of the Greek Cypriots as well.”
His own vision was a solution that did not create winners and losers but a rather a common country with respect to all citizens “which will create conditions of stability and prosperity and work as an example of peaceful coexistence irrelevant of national origin or religious belief.”
Anastasiades reflected on the year referencing a large part of his speech on the economy.
“As a result of the hard work and the sacrifices of our people, the cooperation of political parties and employers and workers organisations, we succeeded in less than three years to overturn all predictions and instead of a recession, record this year growth rates close to two per cent,” he said.
“However, as proud as we may rightly feel, we will become equally and unforgivably irresponsible if, by ignoring the problems that still exist, we abandon the sound policy of prudence, of self-restraint, of hard work, and if we do not shake off the attitudes of the past once and for all.”
Anastasiades said the government was increasing, through the state budget development funds while moving ahead with the casino licence and aiming to create the conditions to successfully tackle the large unemployment problem.
He hailed the implementation of the Guaranteed Minimum Income scheme, which financially assists people in need, introducing a reform in education “which was overdue for decades” and strengthening the state legal service to “implement our decision for zero tolerance in vested interests, corruption and misuse of public funds.”
As of January 1, another 30 new people will be employed at the attorney-general’s office and it was already in the process of hiring 25 new attorneys, he said.
The National Health Scheme which has been riddled with delays was also something that needed to be tackled, Anastasiades said.
He also expressed his hope local government would be reformed in the first half of 2016 as it concerned the quality of life of the public.
Reflecting on the year that was, Anastasiades said it was a year where on a European and international level, Cyprus’ credibility was strengthened and ties with friendly countries were deepened, while the island’s horizons were expanded when it came to countries they had difficulties approaching until now.
“We strengthen synergies to safeguard and utilise our natural wealth transforming Cyprus to a key factor enforcing energy security in our area and Europe,” he said.
On a final note, Anastasiades said “I wish from the bottom of my heart 2016 is the year we will celebrate together, the restoration of peace in our country.”
