Press Releases

It is a great pleasure to join you this evening, in the University of Cyprus’s beautiful courtyard, to honor the 4^th of July and to celebrate together the meaning of this important day – Independence, Freedom, Self-determination, all of which mean so much to us in Cyprus: the ongoing project; the beacon of light on the horizon, but never an arrival; a better tomorrow.

While July 4^th is celebrated with barbeques and fireworks in the United States, the celebration of liberty rings true because of what July 4^th means. From Benjamin Franklin to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., they all knew that July 4^th means something worth fighting for. They were celebrating, and protecting, the American Dream.

The meaning behind the American Dream is a part of all of us, and that is one of its true legacies and gifts. It is a product of the aspirations of all people, from every corner of the globe. The desire for freedom and the responsibility to construct, maintain, and improve a progressive society, a constant striving to overcome differences, to eliminate injustice and to celebrate the freedom and liberty of persons. This is the universality of the Dream, and what the Dream means to us all.

The path to freedom is one that holds a special meaning in Cyprus, and one we have never had the fortune of taking for granted. While the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine has woken up the world to the old challenges of war and fragmentation, in Cyprus – a country divided and invaded by Turkey in 1974 and since then under occupation – we have been kept awake to this battle every day for close to 50 years. That makes the dream of freedom even more bitter and present. Freedom is a word pregnant with meaning and aspiration here in Cyprus, a dream we are trying to build in everything we do as citizens.

As we celebrate the founding of a great nation, which chose its independence by ending colonialism, we also remind ourselves of the similarities with Cyprus, with the path chosen by the American people. Personal and social prosperity can only be founded on freedom, equality, and justice. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are the true crown jewels of the human condition. Rule of law, the guarding of democracy, the prosperity of the people as well as peace in the world, are values that are equally shared by the people of Cyprus and the countries of all of us here tonight.

It is precisely these common values that have allowed for an accelerated and dynamic bilateral relationship between Cyprus and the United States. It is in fact no exaggeration to say that in receyears Cyprus-US relations have reached new heights, and are no longer viewed, either by Washington or by Nicosia, solely through the lens of the Cyprus problem. It is an all-encompassing strategic partnership that has produced numerous achievements in the field of security, cooperation in science and technology, joint military drills, the establishing of the CYCLOPS training center as well as cooperation in the protection of our cultural and archaeological heritage.

Cyprus and the United States have come together, and will continue to do so, time and time again, in the fight against terrorism, human trafficking, illegal drugs trafficking and the proliferation of weapons.

Looking to the future of our partnership and building on the important work that has been done, there is a joint vision and determination to further deepen ties, in a manner that is also tangible and visible to our citizens' everyday lives. These steps will also benefit tourism, education, business and investment collaborations between Cyprus and the United States.

The Founding Fathers of the United States shared a common belief to change and challenge the status quo and to create a better future for their children.

This is our top priority in Cyprus and one we pursue with a sense of urgency: to end the unacceptable status quo on the island caused by the Turkish invasion of 1974 and to create a better future for all Cypriots - Greek, Turkish, Armenian, Maronite, Latin – in which we prosper in peaceful co-existence and collaboration.

And so, we will continue to strive for the Freedom we deserve, for reunification. We ask our partners around the world to share our vision and help us realize the dream of a reunified, free Cyprus. 

I would like to warmly thank Ambassador Fisher for her keen insights, and for sharing ideas on the way forward. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the US Government, to President Biden, for the unwavering support in reaching a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, fully in line with UN Security Council Resolutions that call for a bizonal, bicommunal federation, with political equality.

In closing, I wish to also thank Julie, for hosting us this evening, for providing us an opportunity to celebrate what is possible when people believe in freedom and self-determination.

Please join me in raising our glasses, as we celebrate peace, liberty, and justice.

(RM/EP)