Demetris Christofias, who is running for the presidency of the Republic, said his aim was a viable and functional settlement of the Cyprus problem, which would reunite the state, the people, the institutions and the economy.
Speaking at an election rally in support of his candidacy, Christofias said ”together we will pave the way for a just settlement of the Cyprus problem, a solution that the people themselves will approve in a referendum,” adding that ”we are determined to fight so that the occupation force abandons its current expansionist policy,” by turning to the UN, the EU, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Islamic world and the Turkish Cypriots. He stressed that the main support for Cyprus was Greece.
”Our steadfast aim remains a viable and functional settlement of the Cyprus problem, based on UN resolutions, high level agreements, international and European law. A solution that will release our homeland from the occupation, division, settlers and any foreign dependencies. A solution that will reunite the state, the people, the institutions and the economy. A solution that will restore and guarantee the fundamental freedoms and human rights of our people,” he said.
Christofias added that the solution should be in the form of ”a bizonal, bicommunal federation, which of course involves political equality, as this is set out in UN resolutions.”
He said ”this Sunday we are called upon to choose among two radically different policies on the Cyprus problem and internal governance,” adding that his own candidacy ”combines assertion with flexibility for a just settlement.”
Christofias said his candidacy is very different to the candidacy of Ioannis Kasoulides, his opponent in Sunday’s run off election, both regarding the Cyprus problem and internal governance, adding that ”in the forthcoming elections we are choosing a President who will be close to the people and who will care about their problems, who knows the problems and can give solutions.”
”We are a member state of the EU. This reality opens significant prospects and opportunities for us. We will utilise them,” he said, adding that ”at the same time, within the EU, we have the right and duty to pursue the special interests of our homeland and our people. We will do this with determination and consistency.”
The rally was followed by a concert with Greek singer Vassilis Papaconstantinou and Cypriot singer Koullis Theodorou.
