It is with great pleasure that I welcome my friend to Cyprus, the President of the European Council, Mr. Herman Van Rompuy. I take this opportunity to wish him success in the high office he has recently assumed.

It gives me great pleasure that Mr. Van Rompuy visited Cyprus so soon after his election. We had a very positive and warm meeting during which we had the opportunity to exchange views on a number of issues.

I have informed the President of the European Council on the latest developments in the process of direct talks for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem and I have presented the positions and proposals the Greek-Cypriot community has submitted, on the issues discussed so far.

Even though, last week, I informed in writing the President of the European Council on our position regarding the document submitted by the Turkish-Cypriot community during the intensive meetings, today I had the opportunity to go into further detail about that, as well as with regard to the positions and proposals our side has submitted.

I have underlined our will for finding a just, viable and workable solution to the Cyprus problem, as soon as possible. A solution based on the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. The basis to which I am referring to is that of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, with political equality as defined in the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, with one state, with a single sovereignty, international personality and citizenship. We have the goodwill and the patience to continue this effort. I have requested Mr. Van Rompuy for the European Union’s assistance to the Republic of Cyprus in this effort, by pointing out that the content of the solution must respect the human rights and be based on the acquis communautaire, the values and principles of the European Union.


Moreover, I stressed that any attempt to impose deadlines or pressure will not contribute to finding a solution, but will have the opposite result.

The Republic of Cyprus, as a member state of the European Union, in parallel to working for freeing itself from the continuing Turkish occupation and reuniting its territory, its institutions and its people, participates effectively in all institutions of the EU involved in the implementation of its policies in all spectres of its activities.

Today, I also had the opportunity to raise, with my dear friend, the President of the European Council, the issue of illegal migration. Due to its geographical position, the Republic of Cyprus receives thousands of economic and political refugees, on an annual basis, the majority of whom enter the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, via the Turkish occupied areas, which are not under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. Other Mediterranean member states of the EU face similar problems to those of Cyprus. There is, therefore, a need for strengthening the EU related policies and developing the necessary infrastructure. There is also a need for exerting pressure and promoting the conclusion of readmission agreements with Turkey as well as with other countries in the region, via the territory of which illegal immigrants are in transit.

This issue is also related to the world economic crisis, poverty and hunger and they torment a very big part of our planet. Therefore, in order to address the very root of the problem, it is essential that we adopt policies that support the development of these countries. We want the European Union to lead in this effort.

The issue of the world economic crisis and the strategy of the united Europe, following the entry into effect of the Lisbon Treaty, were also discussed. We aim at the promotion of equal opportunities, employment and development. Special emphasis was given to the strategy "Europe 2020" which will be the main topic at the extraordinary European Council on 11 February 2010. We have also exchanged views, with Mr. President, on the future of the united Europe and the need for creating a competitively interconnected, greener economy. Cyprus’ position, that the burden of overcoming the crisis should not be borne by the ordinary, people, is well known.

Moreover, we have discussed the crucial issue of climate change. We have agreed on the need for adopting and implementing immediate measures that will, even at this late stage, help curtail the problems we are all facing as a result of these changes. I have explained to Mr. Van Rompuy that, here in Cyprus, we have already witnessed these changes through prolonged periods of drought and increased temperatures.

In concluding, I would like to , once again, extend a warm welcome to the new President of the European Council, hoping that we will have the opportunity to welcome him to Cyprus again in the near future.