Cyprus PIO: Message by the President to Overseas Greeks, 96-12-27

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

MESSAGE BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC
MR GLAFCOS CLERIDES TO THE OVERSEAS GREEKS AND GREEK CYPRIOTS
ON THE OCCASION OF THE NEW YEAR (27/12/1996)

I know that on these festive days in particular you are thinking of your beloved country, Cyprus, your friends and relatives not only in the free areas but also in the occupied area. At the same time, we ask ourselves with feelings of greater bitterness and sorrow: How much longer will this situation go on for? When will our divided island be reunited at last? When will all the foreign troops and settlers go, the refugees return to their homes, the fate of the missing persons be ascertained, the human rights of everyone safeguarded, and all the inhabitants on the island - Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins - live amicably together again in conditions of peace, security, progress and prosperity?

This question is of great concern to the Government and we are exerting all our efforts to finding a just, viable and workable solution to the Cyprus problem - a solution whereby all the above-mentioned goals will be achieved.

For the first time the Permanent Members of the U.N Security Council are showing great interest in a solution of our national problem. This is a result of the flexible, dynamic and prudent policy we are pursuing and of our continuing efforts. It is also a result of the new balance of power and the developments in the wider region of the Balkans, the South Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. The implementation of the Joint Defence Doctrine between Greece and Cyprus in particular creates new

momentum for the solution of the Cyprus problem as it increases our security and strengthens our negotiating capacity. We are at the same time promoting internationally our proposal for the full demilitarisation of Cyprus.

We also hope that Cyprus' course towards accession to the European Union will have a catalytic effect on the Turkish side's stand on a settlement.

It is expected that in the first months of the new year the most important initiative for the solution of the Cyprus problem will be launched. Our side is ready to respond with courage, responsibility and flexibility, hoping that the Turkish side too will adopt the same attitude. Our aim will always be to find a solution ensuring our future on the land of our ancestors.

In the meantime, we shall continue in all fields to follow the policy that we believe will open up the way for the finding of a solution the soonest possible, giving primary importance to the substance of the Cyprus problem.

For the success of this effort you too, our overseas brothers and sisters, can play your role in enlightening public opinion and influencing the Governments, the parties, the newspapers, the television and radio stations in the countries where you are living, in order to persuade them to support the efforts for justice to be given to our martyred country.

You have helped in this direction many times in the past. I am sure that you will help us more intensively and effectively at these critical times.

I am well aware that despite the problems many of you are facing, you continue to be strongly interested in the Cyprus problem and the situation prevailing in our island. You always help us as much as you can in our struggle.

The Government and our people warmly thank you for this interest and practical support. As President of the Republic, I would like to give the assurance that we shall always be by your side to help you in any way we can to cope with the problems you are facing.

Concluding, I wish to state my conviction that it will not be long before our struggle is vindicated. Our divided country will be reunited once again and our occupied towns and villages, our monasteries and churches sooner or later will be free again.

With these thoughts, I wish everyone good health, happiness, progress, a creative future and every happiness.

27 December 1996

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