CYPRUS: Cypriots mark Independence Day with call for reflection

President Nicos Anastasiades called on all Cypriots to reflect on the future and respect each other, during celebrations to mark 58 years of Cyprus independence.

After the Independence Day in Nicosia, Anastasiades said that while it is a day to be proud of, at the same time it should be a day of reflection on what happened in the past.

Today, he said, “should also be a day of reflection; A day of reflection for all the Republic of Cyprus’ citizens with no exception, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.”

He said it was time to consider where Cyprus stood right now.

“We have a divided country, but on the other hand we have a state which has managed through the efforts, hard work and sacrifice of the Cypriot people to prosper, to become an EU member and to look to the future with optimism.”

Anastasiades said Cyprus needs to be a modern state for all, "which enjoys human rights and freedoms and is absolutely compatible with EU law.”

“I appeal to our Turkish Cypriot compatriots to comprehend that prosperity requires first recognition and mutual respect.”

At the same time, Anastasiades praised the National Guard and said that it was evident from the parade that the army is well trained and equipped “to defend the Republic of Cyprus’ territorial integrity”.

Numerous UN-backed negotiations, aiming at reuniting the island under a federal roof, have failed to yield results. The last talks under UN aegis took place in the summer of 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana.