Ioannis Kasoulides, running for the presidency of the Republic, said his vision was a free Cyprus, a modern European state, with economic growth, social cohesion and social justice, a Cyprus in the heart of Europe, adding that his government would be one of ”national cooperation, with personalities from all political spheres, who share the vision of a modern, European Cyprus.”
Speaking at an election rally in support of his candidacy, Kasoulides said the rally sent ”a message of hope, optimism and change”, adding that ”the political momentum that led us to first place last Sunday is becoming stronger day by day.”
He said ”a common goal unites us, to move forward, to look forward, to create once again hope and prospects for Cyprus,” adding that he was asking for the people’s vote ”in the name of a common national vision,” that of ”a free Cyprus, a modern European state, with economic growth, social cohesion and social justice, a Cyprus in the heart of Europe.”
”I ask for your support and cooperation on a programme with specific positions and values. On the most modern and comprehensive programme that has ever been submitted before the people of Cyprus,” he pointed out, adding that he has spoken ”openly and clearly on how we will proceed regarding our national programme, how our country will have the upper hand, how we will gain unity of goals, how we will set out a common course and will find channels of understanding with the Turkish Cypriots.”
Kasoulides said he was the first to speak about ”national understanding and the necessity for a national framework solution agreement, a text on which we all agree,” adding that he wanted a solution ”made to fit all of us.”
”I spoke first about the need to mobilise Europe again, convince Europe of our intentions and bring her on our side once again, to win back our prestige and credibility, our diplomatic and moral advantage,” he said, adding that ”Turkey must make its choice, since it may enter Europe as a partner but never as an invader.”
He added that ”if Turkey’s stance does not change by the year 2009, if it does not show true signs of cooperation, we will not hesitate to use even our veto in its course towards Europe,” noting that ”the interests of Cyprus are linked to Turkey’s European course.”
Kasoulides said the main difference between himself and Demetris Christofias, also in the run off election, was that ”my views look to the future, while his relegate to a world that has collapsed.â€
The rally was followed by a concert by Greek singer Dionysis Savvopoulos.
