I am not going to get involved in a public blame game and I am not interested in the communication management or the communication approach of the Cypriot, said the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulidisnoting the importance of the EU for the Turkish Cypriot community as well.

In his statements to journalists, after the end of the memorial service of the former President of the Republic Spyros Kyprianou, in Limassol, the President of the Republic, when asked to comment on the upgrade of the Cypriot economy by the Fitch house, said that “I consider the development very important. At the same time, I want to acknowledge the work done by the previous government, because we have to tell things as they are. And on this very basis we will continue our work. Fiscal discipline is essential, a strong and reliable economy is what will allow us to have a targeted social policy. Well, within this framework we continue. And I want to take this opportunity to welcome the recent decision of the House of Representatives on the subject of sales, and to welcome the announcement made by the credit institutions. At the same time, let me say that we are in contact with the EU, with Brussels, so that as soon as possible, I hope within March, I think it is an achievable goal, we will also have the approval regarding the rent instead of installment plan, so that we can let’s move on. It is an existing problem, which of course we want to deal with. The situation as it is at the moment does not solve the problem, we want to provide permanent solutions and I hope, we are working so that within March there will be a concrete solution”.

Asked to report on his upcoming visit to Athens, President Christodoulidis said that “as far as the Cyprus issue is concerned, it is positive that there is this mobility, we also see it from the international factor in relation to the breaking of the deadlock and the resumption of talks. The visit to Athens is not only of symbolic importance, i.e. the first visit of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, it is also of very essential importance, especially for our effort in relation to the Cyprus issue, to coordinate our actions so that the EU, through a leading role, help both to restart the talks, but also to reach a goal which is the resolution of the Cyprus problem”.

When asked about the meeting he will have this afternoon with the Minister of Investments of Saudi Arabia, the President of the Republic said that this is a very positive sign, adding that “for years, since 2017, an effort has been launched to strengthen relations us with Saudi Arabia. This effort brought results, there is interest from this country for investments in our homeland. A relevant Memorandum will also be signed. And in the context of the meeting we will discuss more specifically the possibility of investments from Saudi Arabia in Cyprus. I strongly believe that from the countries of our region, due to our political relations, but also the role played by the Republic of Cyprus in the EU for the region, yes, there can be significant investments and we will work specifically in this direction” .

Asked to comment on the recent statements of the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, Mr. Ersin Tatar, about the involvement of the EU in the Cyprus conflict, the President of the Republic said that “I did not expect to hear anything different, I want to be completely honest. I am sure that Mr. Tatar recognizes the importance of the EU and for the Turkish Cypriot community, let me remind you that even with the consent of the Republic of Cyprus there is the financial regulation, there is the regulation regarding direct trade. Henceforth, I have set two principles, which I want to adhere to during my administration. The first concerns that I will not get involved in a public negotiation, I have said this before, the solution of the Cyprus issue will not be found through a public negotiation. We must be serious about this effort. And second, I’m not going to engage in a public blame game. I am not interested in the communication management or the communication approach of the Cypriot. What I’m interested in is the bottom line, and as far as the bottom line is concerned, we will do everything possible on our part to break the deadlock and resume the talks.”