In his message, President Anastasiades said, inter alia, that “only through mutual respect, the conditions for an effective dialogue are created in order to achieve the reunification, the liberation of our homeland, as well as the creation of a state which will safeguard human rights for everybody, without exception, but also permanent peace and stability that lead to the prosperity of all the people.”

He added that “I want to assure you that our aim is not the continuation of the unacceptable status quo, but the creation of a state that will be functional and viable, that will be modern and, of course, absolutely compatible with the values and principles of the EU.”

The President of the Republic noted: “I hope that, within the next period of time, there will be mutual understanding and mutual perception, so that we will be able to overcome the tension that is unfolding around us, and to find our own way toward peace and cooperation, always on the basis of mutual respect, as well as the principles of legality and international law.”