President Dimitris Christofias Addresses Nation at Investiture Ceremony; States Reunification...

President Dimitris Christofias Addresses Nation at Investiture Ceremony; States Reunification of Country ''Will Be Top Priority'' of His Government

WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
In his address at the ceremony for his investiture at a special
session of the Cypriot House of Representatives which took place
yesterday, newly elected President Dimitris Christofias described a
"new era" of government in Cyprus, one which he believes will be,
"marked by the renewal of the political life of the country and the
modernization of our society." He outlined the priorities for his
administration, placing particular emphasis on his vision for a
solution to the Cyprus problem and ending the Turkish military
occupation.

President Christofias said, "I ran for the Presidency of the
Republic inspired by a life-long vision: The achievement of a just
solution to the Cyprus problem and the building of a fairer society."
He continued, "The solution of the Cyprus problem will be the top
priority of my government."

The President also outlined the fundamental principles of an
agreement: "The federal, bizonal, bicommunal Republic of Cyprus must
have a single sovereignty and international personality and a single
citizenship. The solution must be based on the United Nations
resolutions on Cyprus and be compatible with international and the EU
law as well as with international conventions on human rights."

President Christofias reached out to all Cypriots in his remarks,
and specifically addressed Turkish Cypriots. "I address myself to our
Turkish Cypriot compatriots in order to assure them that I am filled
and inspired by the best of intentions for reconciliation and peaceful
coexistence. I assure them once again that I will work so that they
can enjoy all the rights as equal citizens of a united federal
Republic of Cyprus." He added, "I reaffirm my commitment towards the
people that I will be taking constant initiatives towards the
international community as well as towards the Turkish Cypriot
community, to achieve a solution that will be based on principles."

He underlined the importance of honoring previous agreements as a
basis for proceeding with negotiations. "The starting point to break
the deadlock and create the preconditions for a comprehensive
negotiation of the Cyprus problem is the implementation of the 8 July
agreement, which is embraced and supported by the five permanent
members of the Security Council. We declare our readiness for dialogue
for the implementation of the agreement and we hope to have a positive
response from the Turkish Cypriot side."

Referring to the European Union, President Christofias stated
that, "Cyprus will participate actively in developments in Europe,
with the goal of realizing the vision of a socially sensitive Europe."

Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus
Press and Information Office
202-232-8993

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