President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades briefed the expatriates in London on the course of Cyprus peace talks, reiterating once again his determination to keep the efforts for a solution.
Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain (R) – President Anastasiades (M) – NFC President Christos Caraolis (R)
The President attended a dinner in north London on Monday evening, organised in his honour by the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK.
President Anastasiades said he was determined to carry on working for a solution to the decades-long problem that would end the division of the island, with a negotiated settlement which would be “viable and workable and will the concerns of both (Greek and Turkish Cypriot) communities.”
“I am determined to work for a settlement of the Cyprus issue. But a settlement that meets – and I stress this – the expectations and the concerns of the Greek Cypriots. I will not disregard the concerns of the Turkish Cypriots, but I will not overestimate false concerns of the Turkish Cypriots at the expense of Greek Cypriots”, the President pointed out.
President Anastasiades praised the contribution of the populous Cypriot community in the UK, expressing his “admiration” over the persistent way in which they strive for better days for Cyprus, “beyond any personal ambition.”
He also made a special reference to the presence of many young NEPOMAK (overseas young Cypriots’ federation) members at the event, and he paid tribute to the recently deceased Chris Lazari, a distinguished member of the UK Cypriot community.
In his welcome address, the President of the Federation Christos Karaolis congratulated the President of the Republic for his “insistence, patience and determination” to settle the Cyprus issue. He also praised President Anastasiades for his “undogmatic” work in methodically and systematically establishing international cooperations and alliances to safeguard the Republic of Cyprus’s interests.
Karaolis pledged , on behalf of the UK Cypriot community, to keep demanding that the British MPs and the UK Government fulfil their country’s obligations towards Cyprus, working towards the end of the Turkish occupation and contributing towards a negotiated settlement.
The dinner attendees also presented President Anastasiades with a birthday cake in the shape of Cyprus, on the occasion of his 70th birthday (27 September).
Mr Anastasiades will visit the Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain on Tuesday afternoon, before meeting Prime Minister Theresa May in 10 Downing Street.
He will then fly to Paris, where on Wednesday he will be received by President Hollande.
