European integration will only be achieved through a Cyprus problem resolution

Cyprus’ European integration will only be achieved through the resolution of the national problem, the Government Spokesman Constantinos Letymbiotis said on Monday, marking the 19^th anniversary of the Republic as a full EU member state.

May 1, 2004 is a historic milestone for Cyprus and the “greatest diplomatic success of our country since its independence in 1960”, the spokesman said, referring to the island’s joining the European Union.

Meanwhile, the messages from our country’s EU accession in 2004 remain more relevant today than ever before, he added.

“It is practical proof of the achievement of difficult national goals through unity, when we remain committed to clear objectives over time, on the basis of a clear and targeted strategy. It is this same unity and commitment that we must demonstrate today,” Letymbiotis declared.

He said as a state, we must make every possible effort in finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, which will ensure the goal of European integration.

“The EU is our common home and future with our Turkish Cypriot compatriots,” he noted, reiterating the president’s proposal for a more active involvement of the EU to break the deadlock in the negotiations for the Cyprus problem.

The concerted and persistent efforts of the Republic of Cyprus, with the catalytic contribution and support of Greece, began in 1990 when the application for membership of the then European Economic Community (EEC). They continued in 1998 when accession negotiations between Cyprus and the EU began, and culminated in December 2002 with the decision of the Copenhagen European Council. This was followed in 2003 by the signing in Athens of the Treaty of Accession to the EU and was sealed on May 1, 2004 with the formal accession of Cyprus to the EU.

According to the government spokesman, this vision “was absolutely intertwined with the security and prosperity of our country, but, above all, with the utilisation and the catalytic contribution of our status as a full member state to the solution of our national problem.”

This added value and decisive dimension was also evident in the latest negotiation process for a settlement of the Cyprus problem, Letymbiotis said.

He added that the president’s proposal for a more active and substantial involvement of the EU, always within the framework of the UN, in the effort first to break the deadlock and to resume negotiations from where they left off, and finally to resolve the Cyprus problem, is also part of this dimension.

“The European Union possesses the tools and incentives that can be used at the present juncture, as shaped by the international scene, to make possible a mutually beneficial state of affairs leading to the resolution of the Cyprus problem.

“For the success of this proposal, we call on all political forces to make a positive contribution with all the means at their disposal,” the government spokesman added.

Later in the day, the foreign  ministry marked Cyprus’ accession to the EU with a tweet saying this introduced “a new era” for the country.

“Together with our partners, we are heading on a common path, carving out a common future based on European principles and values”, it said.

The foreign ministry also posted a video from the first time the flag of the Republic of Cyprus was raised in the European Parliament.

The island’s EU accession was also marked by political parties.

Right wing Disy said May 1, 2004 will “remain a milestone day” for the country, which joined the EU with the help of the Greek government and prior to a Cyprus problem resolution.

“Since then, our country has been at the forefront of all efforts and the development of policies for even greater European integration, for even more Europe in the everyday life of citizens,” Disy said, adding that “our Turkish Cypriot compatriots” should also welcome the presence of Europe as a security agent.

For its part, Green Party said the country’s accession has had a positive impact on many environmental, human rights and social issues.

This also includes the Climate Crisis, which is perhaps the greatest global challenge for humanity. Thus, the party said its first objective, through our work with the European Green Party, is to tackle climate change, but also to maintaining peace and security, tackling poverty, housing and energy crisis, the migration issue, corruption and much more.