Press Releases

First of all, let me say how particularly pleased I am for this commemorative event at the Presidential Palace. It precisely demonstrates our very close and fraternal ties with the Latins of Cyprus, who, as I have noted on other occasions, constitute a very dynamic and special part of our people. This is being proven by their rich historical, cultural and religious past, as well as by the very good relations and excellent cooperation between us in all sectors without exception.

To all the members of the Latin Community, as well as to the prominent leaders of the Latin Church in Cyprus, I convey the great appreciation of the President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, who was very pleased to have tonight’s event being held under his auspices.

I would also like to highlight the appreciation of the House of Representatives toward the Latin Community and for the excellent cooperation with its representative at the Parliament.

The President of the Republic is in Bucharest for the European Union Summit, at a particularly critical time characterized by new provocations on behalf of Turkey at the expense of Cyprus and peace in the region. Provocations that test the international community’s tolerance vis-à-vis Turkish arrogance and aggression as regards the need to respect international law and cooperation and good neighborly relations between states. Actions such as the ones of Turkey in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, surely cannot be tolerated, as they jeopardize peace in the region and offend the other states’ allegiance and respect to international legality and the need for peaceful co-existence and cooperation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is exactly the need, namely the need for the attainment and upholding of peace in our region, that St Francis of Assisi wanted to serve with his visit to Cyprus and the Middle East 800 years ago. This happened in 1219, at a time when hatred was prevalent along the shores of the Mediterranean, with crusades and a general climate of violence and conflict.

While the battles during the 5th Crusade were on the rise, Francis of Assisi managed, through his vision for evangelism and by adopting a different stance whereby he inspired with his actions and beliefs, to penetrate the harsh war fronts and meet with Sultan Malik Al-Camil of Egypt, thus inaugurating an inter-religious dialogue with messages in favor of friendship, tolerance and the mutual commitment to peace.

The two of them emerged as ambassadors for peace at a time when it was inconceivable for anyone to speak of peace. What was more prevalent was the outcome of violence and the war rhetoric.

Today we are honoring the anniversary of the 800 years since that historic meeting and St Francis of Assisi’s visit.  It is an anniversary that is celebrated this year in many other countries as well, both Christian and Muslim, with the aim of reviving the message of peace around the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our region is going through trying times and continues to do so, not only due to the Turkish provocations against Cyprus’ sovereign rights, but also on a wider scale, due to violent conflicts and claims which do not serve the ideals of peace and good cooperation and neighborly relations between states.  Through the recent bilateral and trilateral collaborations with Greece and other countries, Cyprus pursues to serve these ideals for the benefit of the entire region.

Together with the three religious groups of our people, Armenians, Maronites and Latins, who chose through a referendum in 1960 to join the Greek Cypriot Community and enjoy the same privileges, rights and benefits, we have the common vision to move forward to a new era, which promises much more to all the legitimate inhabitants of our island, under conditions of freedom, security, and co-creation.

We would like the Turkish Cypriots to share this vision as well and to work in that direction, within the framework of a solution of the Cyprus problem which will meet our expectations, a solution that is functional and viable, while excluding any aspirations or claims by Turkey or any other country at the expense of our homeland and our people.

In concluding, I personally express my deepest appreciation toward the members of the Latin Community, and I warmly thank the Representative of the Latin Community to the House of Representatives, Ms Antonella Mantovani, for our excellent cooperation.

I would also like to thank and congratulate the Vicar General of the Latin Church, Father Jersy Kras, for the organization of the event, and I hope that the messages being conveyed by such commemorative events in various places of the world, would have as many recipients as possible. Particularly those whose actions have an impact on the upholding of peace and security in the world.

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 (AH/SCH)