Press Releases

The President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, received today, Wednesday, November 14, 2018, at a formal ceremony at the Presidential Palace, the credentials of the new Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr Hossein Aminian Tousi.

Presenting his credentials, Ambassador  Aminian Tousi  said. 

Receiving the credentials, the President of the Republic said:

“Your Excellency,

I am most pleased to receive the Letters of Credence appointing you as the new Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Cyprus. I wish you success in conducting your responsibilities and in promoting our bilateral relationship with renewed energy. I assure you that my Government and I personally will provide you with every assistance in the performance of your high duties.

The historically friendly relations between Cyprus and Iran, based on mutual respect, provide a firm basis for further development of relations in all sectors. These relations are greatly valued by the Government and the people of Cyprus, and we will work with you for their further enhancement. The future exchange of visits and subsequent meetings of high-level officials will allow us to take stock of our relations and augment our cooperation, in existing and in new fields.

As a member of the European Union we are committed to ensuring that theJoint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is upheld. The JCPOA remains a key element of the global nuclear non-proliferation architecture. In tandem with Iran’s commitments, we too, will remain committed to its continued full and effective implementation.

Mr Ambassador,

Cyprus is greatly invested in contributing to the peace, security and prosperity of its region. We have seen that conflicts in the region have more than a ripple effect far beyond the geographic perimeters of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, and we remain convinced that through dialogue and cooperation, we can build trust and enhance regional coherence and stability. In this respect, Cyprus looks forward to cooperating closely with Iran and all the countries of the region, in order to effectively tackle the regional challenges faced, including fighting terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations and in order to promote regional stability.

Excellency,

The Cyprus Economy is on a stable growth path to recovery. In fact, 2018 is the 4th consecutive year of positive real GDP growth, higher than the Euro area average, estimated at 3.8% for the whole year. The inflationrate is estimated at 0.5% for 2018 and the unemployment rate dropped at 8.4% in May 2018, recording the biggest annual unemployment decrease in the EU. The main policy objective of the Government is the full recovery of the economy and the creation of the necessary conditions for sustainable growth.

Excellency,

With a renewed mandate by the people, my top priority remains none other than addressing the unacceptable current state of affairs with the continuing Turkish occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, since there is no doubt that lasting peace and stability can only be achieved through the comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus Problem.

To this end, on numerous occasions, I reiterated in the clearest terms to the UN Secretary-General, our partners in the EU, the Permanent and non-Permanent Members of the Security Council and the international community, that I remain strongly committed to resuming the negotiating process.

What is of course required is to create those necessary conditions that will allow the dialogue to resume on the basis of good will and constructive stance from all stakeholders, particularly by the Turkish side, in order to safeguard the positive outcome of the negotiations.

The above-mentioned were reiterated during my recent fruitful meeting with the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, during which I also stressed that I remain sincerely committed to negotiate a solution within the UN Security Council resolutions and the framework set by the UN Secretary-General, as clarified on July 04, 2017, with the same determination and positive attitude we have demonstrated since the beginning of the dialogue.

Within this context, I do hope that the meetings of the Special Envoy of the United Nations which will soon take place with all other interested parties and stakeholders involved will allow the UN Secretary-General to be in a position to resume the process.

Taking this opportunity, I wish to remind that the failure of the Conference on Cyprus in July 2017 was precisely due to Turkey’s insistence on its long-standing position in maintaining the continuation of the anachronistic system of guarantees, the unilateral right of intervention and a permanent presence of Turkish troops.

I also wish to remind that our side submitted comprehensive written proposals for each and every one of Mr Guterres six-point framework, including on a new security architecture that would replace anachronisms and the strategic aspirations of third countries against Cyprus.

Having said the above, at the same time we should also not ignore the remaining significant differences on the other Chapters of the Cyprus Problem. Differences that can be easily resolved by adopting and respecting what is considered as our obligation: The European acquis. It is only through adhering to these fundamental principles which determine that a member-state of the United Nations and the European Union can only be considered as truly independent and sovereign if it is free of any third country dependencies, that we can truly establish the conditions for prosperity and peaceful co-existence between all the citizens of Cyprus, in an environment of safety and stability.

I truly wish that both our Turkish Cypriots compatriots and Turkey will respond positively to the new prospect that is unfolding again upon us, taking into account, in a comprehensive manner and without being selective, the provisions set by the UN Secretary-General at the Conference in Crans Montana.

On my own behalf, I wish to reassure, once again, of my determination to work tirelessly to reach a comprehensive settlement that will finally reunify our island after 44 years of division, ensuring conditions of safety for the future generations of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, without any third country military troops or guarantees.

A settlement that will satisfy the genuine desire of our people, especially of the younger generations, to live together and peacefully co-exist, collaborate and prosper in a European country which fully respects their fundamental human rights and freedoms.

Excellency,

I welcome you to Cyprus, and wish you every success in the performance of your high duties. I would be grateful if you could convey to the President, His Excellency Mr Hassan Rouhani and to the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran, my warmest personal wishes and the wishes of the people of Cyprus, for peace and prosperity."

(AH/SCH)