President calls on children to keep hope alive

The children of Rizokarpaso keep alive the hope that one day they will be able to live there as free citizens, President Nicos Anastasiades said on Monday during the annual lunch hosted at the presidential palace for enclaved children and those receiving aid.

On behalf of himself and his wife, the president welcomed the children, saying it was “a joy and an honour” to host them for the last time before he departs as president.

“I would like to say to the children living in occupied Rizokarpaso, that their presence there perpetuates the hope that one day they will not be enclaved, but living there as free citizens,” he said.

Addressing the rest of the children, who come from various state child support structures, he said that “the state will always remain by your side, contributing to your wellbeing, education and further advancement, so that you become useful citizens of our country”.

He also assured that despite the challenges caused by the global economic crisis, the state will be able to fulfil its obligations towards children who need its support thanks to its stable and strong fiscal policy.

He also wished that the new year will be “a time of hope, which will be created through a just solution to the Cyprus issue and a prevalence of peace between islanders”.

Finally he asked the children to keep hope alive, because “nobody can survive without hope”.

The meal was accompanied by a performance by the choir and orchestra of the Nicosia music school, and prizes were given to the winners of the drawing competition for the best Christmas card.