f
rom Christopher Violaris
Managing Director and C.E.O
of Eurolink Investment Group
The 1st of July, 2012 is a great day for the People of Cyprus and the Cyprus Government! The assumption of the Presidency of the EU Council by the Republic of Cyprus represents a great oasis to the many problems and threats this small, progressive and peaceful nation has been facing in its 62 years of state history!
Cyprus is a fully committed and active member state of the European Union and I am sure it will perform its role as President as good, if not better than any other member state has done up to now and practically and effectively contribute to the realization of the common policies!
The fact that nearly half of its territory is occupied by Turkey since 1974, a country seeking full membership of the European Union, nearly one third of its population has been forced by the Turkish Army of occupation to live away from their homes, villages and towns, will not stop Cyprus from acting and performing as a real European Nation and fully pledged member of the E.U. I have no doubt that the Cyprus Presidency will be crowned with full success!
Cyprus joined the European Union, as a full member hoping that the fellow member states and the Union’s principals would have helped its people to be liberated from the Turkish aggression and occupation. Cypriots also hoped in vain that after joining the European Union, their country and people would eventually be re-united and live again in peace, unity and security as they did for centuries before! This has not happened yet and it is neither the fault nor the doing of the Cypriots, but the result of the Turkish expansionism and the continued refusal of Turkey to apply the international law and the principals of the EU of which she wishes to become a full member.
The European Union not only it has failed to mobilize its means and political muscle to assist Cyprus, on the contrary, it has in many cases and occasions shown support and “understanding” towards Turkey and even kept silent when Turkey was actually throwing threats and showed disrespect towards the Union and its institutions.
Still, Cyprus as a real, genuine and devoted European Union member state will fully perform and honour its duties and undertakings!
I grasp this opportunity, on this very special day for Cyprus and Europe and as a Cypriot, to salute our brothers and fellow Europeans, the people and Government of the Republic of Bulgaria and thank them wholeheartedly for their unconditional and endless friendship, love and support!