Address by the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos On the Accession of Cyprus to the European Union

May 1, 2004
 
This moment signals a momentous milestone in Cyprus’s history. It is the second most important historic landmark after the proclamation of the Republic of Cyprus 44 years ago.

This moment marks the successful conclusion of a long effort and the hopeful beginning of a new course and a new era for Cyprus.

As from this moment, the Republic of Cyprus formally becomes a Member of the European Union. It becomes a full, integral and inseparable member of the great European family.

Just an instant ago, we were Cypriot citizens. From now, and for ever, we are officially European citizens, without, at the same time, forfeiting our national identity.

Our people are justly celebrating the great historic event of accession. For they see their sacrifices being vindicated, their vision materialize, their goal being attained and their dream come true.

Our great joy for our accession to the European Union, is overshadowed by our grief because we could not celebrate this moment together with our Turkish Cypriot compatriots and our great disappointment for the absence of a solution to our national problem.

We do not want to enjoy the benefits of accession on our own. We want to share them with the Turkish Cypriots. They too are entitled to these benefits and this joy as legitimate citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. We are expecting them. Their place is here with us, so that we can embark, hand in hand, on the new course commencing today in the interest of all of us, for the benefit of our common country. A reunited homeland.

We shall continue to work and endeavour for the reunification of our people and our country and for a functional and viable solution. The rejection of one particular plan does not amount to the end of our efforts and our mission. The end will come only through the proper solution which will ensure and guarantee permanent peace, prosperity for everyone and a better European future for all the citizens of Cyprus.

Our accession to the European Union does not create rights only. It entails also obligations and responsibilities. We will claim and we will enjoy those rights. At the same time we will fulfill our obligations and undertake our responsibilities. Our aim and ambition is not to be a recalcitrant Member of the Union, but a constructive and creative partner.

At this historic moment, I wish, once again, to express my thanks, first of all, to Greece, the European countries and the European Union for their contribution to Cyprus’s accession.

I would also like to extol the contribution of my predecessors, the House of Representatives, the civil service and the many eponymous and anonymous who worked hard, judiciously and constantly in order to translate the dream of Europe into reality.

But over and above everyone else, the praise and honour should go to our people. Our industrious and creative people, who despite the enormous pain for the occupation of their land, they found the courage, the strength and stamina to toil and make the necessary sacrifices so as to realize the dream of accession.

Now that this dream has come true, there are new horizons and new perspectives both for our people and our land. European Union/s enlargement entails the expansion of the role and the potential of the united Europe. This historic continent which is being revitalized through the union of its members and the pooling of its resources. This eternal continent, whose name is not a simple geographical term, but a common ground of universal principles and culture.

As far as the enlarged European Union is concerned, today comes the beginning of a new historic journey. A historic leap from a turbulent past to today/s reality and tomorrow/s hope.

Twenty-five European countries line up today, on an equal basis, at the starting point of this new course. Among them Cyprus, as well, ready to welcome and deal with new challenges, ready to move forward towards a better future. Cyprus deserves and she will have a better future.

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