Live replay of the Debate with Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of the Republic of Cyprus, on the Future of Europe: Opening statement by Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of the Republic of Cyprus. Including statement on terrorist attack in Strasbourg.  The following transcription is the result of an automatic process. Check Against delivery.

Future of Europe / European integration (T2)

statement

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

future of the European Union (T)

EU - Cyprus (T)

ANASTASIADES, Nicos (CY)

Debate on the Future of Europe: Opening statement by Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of the Republic of Cyprus (10:15 - 10:48)

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, President of the European Parliament's, Members of the European Parliament. The terrorist attack, that took place yesterday here in Strasbourg. I express my deepest sympathy and condolences to the families and we wish a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, Terrorism constitute one of the most serious threats to the peace and security of our union we shall not allow fear and terror to prevail. Instead we should remain united in enhancing our efforts to eliminate these deplorable phenomena.

M. President it is a high honor for me to address the plenary session of the European Parliament, in the presence of the presidents of the EU political institutions, before the European citizens and to have the opportunity to present their thoughts, my ideas, but most of all my vision for the future of the union.

Ladies And gentlemen I am fully aware that I am addressing the institution which is a symbol if you will of the very heart of Unity and Democracy in Europe. The timeless principles and values that have been pervading the development of the large common European family are represented in that institution. As European Parliament You are one of the basic pillars to safeguard the democratic functions of the European Union. And this is why your role is and will continue to remain decisive.

Ladies and gentlemen for Cyprus and its people the accession of Cyprus to the EU in 2004 was really the capping stone of our European orientation and an identity that goes back millions of years. It was very strongly supported by the Cypriot people not only because it is seen as a source of stability and prosperity but also as a potential catalyst in our ongoing efforts for renewal and reunification and consolidation of security and peace in our country.

I wish to stress that in 2004 Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots identified their own future with the future of Europe. The conviction that very soon the same conditions of normality peace and security of the member states would also prevail in our country.

M. President, Ladies and gentlemen today's Europe emerged from the horror of two world wars. As a result of collective consciousness and responsibility of courageous leaders who believed in cooperation and unity their aim was to first of all work together in the economic sphere but also to safeguard human rights the rule of law prosperity and the security and safety of citizens through economic unification and the establishment of the four freedoms.

Now to achieve those goals with hard work collective work Europe really stands out as the most remarkable model of peace and prosperity in modern history. And this is a model that we must preserve but also strengthen and we are very very concerned as we witness the latest trends and developments which are shaking this unity which has been with us for so many years. These developments and trends such as the exit of a member state from the European Union, the closing of borders in violation of the Schengen Treaty, the re-emergence of nationalistic trends, the erosion of the union's role through this rise of populism and an arbitrary application of the principle of solidarity.

The rise in the phenomenon of terrorism as we unfortunately witnessed yesterday unfortunately are matters we must reflect upon deeply. These are phenomena that we need to tackle collectively to protect the geographical and political and economic unity that is to say the European integration that we have worked so hard to achieve.

President ladies and gentlemen President you presented an ambitious work programme for the current Commission's term of office with a view to the next European elections which are looming Cyprus being a staunch advocate of a stronger more powerful more democratic and more united Europe has been and continues to be committed to implementing this program within that framework. The consultations underway have to do with our future the future of Europe and are an excellent opportunity to listen to civil society so that we are better able to assess how effective our policies are and to re define them in order to ensure that they are better targeted to be beneficial to citizens.

We need to listen to the citizens in order to understand the underlying causes of the abrasion and as expressed through the broad abstention from the European elections. And we need to try and understand the reasons behind this gap and crisis in confidence and trust. Ladies and gentlemen the consultations for the future of Europe in all member states must be based in my view on the following questions. What would Europe do we want and what are the lessons we can draw from the course of Europe so far. What needs to be improved and how can it be done. How close are we to our citizens. What are the causes behind the rise in nationalist and populist movements and how might we deal with this phenomenon. How are the increasing social and economic inequalities within Europe to be tackled.

In my view it is now urgently essential that we find clear responses to these questions within the framework of self-criticism reflection and that we realize where we failed and where we can do better so that people in Europe citizens can once again trust the union and its institutions so that they can feel safe again in the conviction that challenges are being met and feel the positive impact on their daily lives of the common policies of the European Union. In such areas as health the environment working conditions and these are areas which affect citizens everyday life and prosperity.

President European Union without a doubt is a mosaic of nations and peoples and its beauty and value is derived from that composition and diversity. And each piece has its own worth as it has its own specific features the mosaic remains however imperfect. When just a small piece is even missing and therefore power and the wealth lie in the composition and unity of that mosaic. And this is where we base our cooperation on unity and solidarity.

Ladies and gentlemen in 2013 when I took over the presidency of Cyprus I found myself facing painful dilemmas. Cyprus was facing a severe economic crisis which on the basis of the size and the nature of its economy affected a large majority of its citizens in a very negative way. It meant that necessary but difficult decisions had to be taken with decisive actions and measures.

And with the support of the society of Cyprus which at the time was having to face the economic consequences comparable to those of the 1974 invasion we undertook to implement substantial reforms which allowed our economic reconstruction sooner than even the most optimistic expectations a brief reference to the positive results achieved by the Cyprus economy in recent live years justifies a series of decisions that we took as government and have achieved a number of things I could say for example.

] We exited the economic adjustment program and even sooner in fact than expected by the international community. We can also mention the continuous upgrades by rating agencies and the re exception of Cyprus into investment markets. The reentry into international markets for the fourth consecutive year we have noted a positive growth rate of close to 4 percent unemployment is continually on the decline and we have seen the highest annual decrease in unemployment among member states.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, And finally for the fifth consecutive year we expect to have a surplus in our budget. Ladies and gentlemen we are focused and we are determined to maintain macroeconomic stability continue with the measures under which a surplus of high growth rates have been achieved and to give further impetus impetus to the excellent prospects that have been created with regard to our major productive sectors now with regard to the budget of the European Union we are following the same strategy.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, The current negotiations on the new M F F multi-annual financial framework for 2021 27 27 has to reflect the path of growth that Europe has taken after a very difficult decade as a result of the global financial crisis we are aiming to set an ambitious budget that will include all the costs required to deal with the modern challenges we have to face together.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, And these challenges cover a broad spectrum of various priority sectors such as the switch to digital integration promoting sustainable development climate change innovation migration the rise of extreme nationalism asymmetric threats and the fight against terrorism at the same time the new multi-annual financial framework just focus on people on European citizens and improving the quality of their lives rationalizing expenditure and through proper planning we have to ensure that the money that belongs to the European taxpayer is spent on targeted policies. And in no case is wasted and squandered on inefficient programs.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, The new budget given that we will now be a Europe of 27 states needs to be suitably adapted but also flexible and to maintain a balance between our traditional policies and modern needs. Moreover in that framework of closer economic conciliation we need to seek to complete the venture of the banking union in the light of a renewed monetary and economic union as also the promotion of the capital markets union which will mobilize capital for investments in member states.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, Mr President, undoubtedly the Common Market which recently completed its 25th birthday is one of the most important goals achieved by the European Union. The long term goal of defending the Common Market a key requires all necessary measures to be taken to bring it into line with new circumstances as they have been shaped to respond fully to the modern needs of the digital age to the challenge of the low energy footprint of the cyclical economy or the circular economy and above all to have a positive impact on the daily lives of its citizens.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, I look forward to tomorrow's debate on these issues during the work of the European Council and from which I expect a strong commitment to a strengthened Common Market of the future ladies and gentlemen moving from a soft power to the common defense of the Union. The fact is that very much has been achieved as a consequence of the Lisbon Treaty. Of course there is room for further improvement but always in a climate of consensus and respect for the particular sensitivities of each member state.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, I believe that a possible motive vacation in the way decisions are taken in the sector of defense would be counter-productive to achieving the convergence that is essential. Cyprus and continues to be a supporter of the defense and military cooperation which is continuously developing among member states. We are among the countries that from the very outset expressed their desire to be part of Pisco the permanent structured cooperation although we recognize Pisco as a decisive step. We have a vision which is Europe's military independence. The creation of European armor as a powerful factor a strong factor to protect the borders of the Union.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, And I wish to underline that it must always work. Not in an offensive but in a defensive and deterrent manner and working towards the interests of the Union remains our visionMr. President ladies and gentlemen I would now like to refer to a number of external factors that in fact are a threat to the cohesion of the European Union. These are factors that I believe need to be dealt with decisively in an environment of unity and solidarity the unprecedented humanitarian crisis we've been facing in recent years really means that we need to put aside our different approaches and narrow national priorities.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, The southern part of Europe is facing mass flows of migrants and the weight they have to bear is disproportionate especially for those member states in the front line my country being one of those. We are seeing more and more migratory pressures that we have to feel we have to bear. And we are therefore one of those countries that has the highest number of migrants in proportion to its population.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, There are other reasons that accentuate and exacerbate the problem. On the one hand the dividing line between the free areas and the occupied areas in my country and on the other hand the continuing refusal of Turkey not only to recognize the Republic of Cyprus but also to implement the agreements that is entered into with the European Union such as the readmission agreement doesn't even cooperate with the Cyprus authorities because and this is a candidate country I'm talking about it feels that the Republic of Cyprus which is a member state of European Union is actually not too to be reckoned with.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, Now with regard to the system need to revise the Common European Asylum System and the Dublin regulation to achieve a fairer distribution of the weight of migration and refugees among member states. This is essential ladies and gentlemen another challenge we have to face that of global warming and climate change now we should focus on the Paris agreement and also take coordinated action aiming towards a more ambitious policy in the framework of the summit taking place in captivity in Poland.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, If we underestimate the visible dangers unfortunately the consequences will be dire not only to the ecosystem but to the economy as well but also on everybody's everyday life in the context of the broader regional role we are developing and our trilateral cooperation with countries in the region we intend to play a coordinating role at regional level to tackle the consequences and impact of climate change and relevant synergies will be achieved with countries of the region the Eastern Mediterranean region is among those regions where climate change phenomena and the impact on the environment of global warming have really been felt very strongly.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, President now the major challenge in this long history of the European Union is of course the decision of the United Kingdom to withdraw. So for the first time the 27 were called upon to manage this venture. Of course we respect the decision of the British people. And that was our only choice as a European Union. We negotiated in seriousness and unity in supporting Ms. Barnier team which prepared the raft of principles that will allow us a smooth exit of the UK from the union.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, And I have to admit I am satisfied with the overall result of the negotiations. We support a broad and multi-level relationship between the UK and the EU. And we will continue to work towards that aim. The new relationship must be mutually beneficial in full harmony with the principles of the European Union its structure and its autonomy with regard to the British bases in Cyprus.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, We are also satisfied since we achieved our initial targets. And that is the unobstructed continuation of the implementation of the community are key so that all European citizens who reside or work in the basis the UK bases will continue to be able to enjoy their rights and benefits as members of the European UnionMr. President ladies and gentlemen as Cyprus we wish through our actions to make our contribution towards a powerful United European Union that promotes peace stability security solidarity and prosperity of the peoples that make up this unique mosaic.

SOUNDBITE (English), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, And in this context by using our geographical location and our excellent relations with our neighboring peoples during the last years we have been working on actions and synergies in the eastern Mediterranean area which is an unstable area. We have set up with Greece trilateral mechanisms of cooperation with countries in the area such as Egypt Israel Jordan Lebanon and Palestine on the basis of international law and the values and principles of mutual respect and solidarity.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, Following a suggestion of the government of Cyprus our proposal was approved for the establishment of a permanent trilateral Secretariat based in Cyprus so that we can be more effective in our coordination and also so that we can continuously follow up and evaluate the course of this cooperation. Establishing this trilateral cooperation has proven to be very very beneficial for the European Union particularly in the field of energy contributing to the much desired energy security and the diversification of the sources of energy and the energy corridors of the European Union.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, It is important to bear in mind that the EU is clearly showing solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus in terms of its right to exercise sovereign rights to explore and exploit its natural sources. In the exclusive economic zone and we have seen that we are supported in pointing out the need to avoid any threats or actions that may destabilize and may not be compatible compatible with international law and the community key.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, Ladies and gentlemen in my introductory remarks I pointed out that when Cyprus joined the EU it identified with all the other European citizens we were looking forward to a next session that would have a catalytic role and bestow on the citizens a sign for the same rights and same level of respect of fundamental Friesen freedoms as those enjoyed by the rest of the European citizens in their own countries without any divisive lines. Without intervention rights or guarantor rights by third parties without an occupying army and without restrictions to the basic freedoms. Very often I talk about my vision for a Cyprus which is a beacon of stability in the area of the Med tyranny in the eastern Mediterranean. To speak realistically we do know that the light of that beacon falls far short of its full potential.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, As long as Cyprus remains divided current challenges make us forget important historical truth. But the Cyprus question basically remains a problem of foreign invasion and occupation and violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Because since nineteen seventy four more than a third of the population of Cyprus has been forced to be refugees in their own homeland at a time when the union is negotiating how it is going to tackle new tragic wars resulting in millions of refugees. The refugees of Cyprus continue to be deprived of that basic freedoms and on not able to enjoy peacefully their own properties and to live in their own homes as is their right. While we are discussing the future of Europe for the citizens of Cyprus these four basic freedoms which are self-evident for the rest of Europe still a far off target that has yet to be achieved.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, The president and members of the Committee on Petitions of European Parliament how fully aware of the realities on the ground and I'd like to express at this point on behalf of all Cypriots are thanks and our satisfaction with the response of that committee and the actions just taken particularly with regard to the fenced off city of Russia. I cannot agree with the conclusions of the report especially the reference to the fact that the return of Russia to its lawful residents would constitute the ideal confidence building measure and model of coexistence and cooperation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots an excellent forerunner if you will of the comprehensive solution.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, I may remind you that in 1984 and in 1992 the international community via the United Nations Security Council and its resolutions 5 5 0 and 7 8 9 called for the transfer of the administration of that particular area which is lying under Turkish occupation that it should be transferred to the responsibility of the United Nations. Unfortunately that has not been possible because of Ankara's stance.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, President ladies and gentlemen Europe which rightly takes part actively and takes initiative to solve international problems it has a moral duty to help contribute towards resolving the problem of a member state and a problem which is in fact an open wound in its own body healing this wound will reinforce and strengthen the union not just morally but substantially as well. Because only then will Cyprus be in a position to play to its full potential its own crucial role in a very important area in terms of the interests of the European Union

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, I wish to reassure the members of the European Parliament that I am determined to work tirelessly to achieve a solution that will not create winners and will not leave behind losers a solution that will fully respect the expectations and concerns of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots that will create a functional and viable federal state on the basis of theU.N. Security Council resolutions on the basis of agreements between the leaders of the two communities a state that is fully sovereign and independent free of dependence of any kind on third parties through interventional rights or rights of guarantee or occupation armies European states whose structure institutions and functions will be fully compatible with the principles and values of the European Union.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, This is why we support in every way the efforts of theU.N. Secretary-General and his special envoy in the hope that the talks will recommence very soon. That we will be able to sit around the negotiating table and work on an agreed framework in terms of reference aiming towards achieving the comprehensive solution and reunification of the island. Ladies and gentlemen it would be an inexcusable admission if this opportunity given me today I did not express the grateful thanks of the people of Cyprus Greek and Turkish Cypriots towards the European Parliament for the unrelenting support in our efforts in trying to find a peaceful solution in a European state. President ladies and gentlemen conclusion I would like to thank you once again for giving me this opportunity to present to you my vision for the future of Europe. In Cyprus. This is the way we see the European Union

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, There are many challenges and justifiably our expectations are high. However all the necessary ingredients and guarantees are there as long as we remain together united in solidarity and respect for the basic values of the European Union. We continue with the initial vision of a strong and prosperous Europe not only in order to preserve our precious mosaic but to further enhance it. And it is for this prosperous Europe that we must join forces putting aside different approaches and national interests that are narrow in order to be able to deal effectively with our common challenges. This is the only way that we will achieve a brighter future for Europe and its citizens. Thank you.