Opmerkingen van Van Rompuy na gesprek met Cypriotische president (en)

EUROPEAN COUNCIL THE PRESIDT

Nicosia, 15 October 2013 EUCO

PRESSE 420 PRPCE 184

Remarks by President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy i at the joint press conference with President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades

Good morning. It is a pleasure to be back in Cyprus. President Anastasiades and I had good discussions this morning and I would like to thank him for his hospitality. It is the first time we meet in Nicosia since President Anastasiades took office and since the overwhelming crisis of the banking sector

Let me start by saying how fully aware I am of the effects of the economic crisis in Cyprus and the distress for the Cypriots. Such a crisis inevitably comes with social and individual hardship. And I recognise the sacrifices that many of you have been forced to make in order to achieve an economy on a sounder and more sustainable basis than in the past. I have no illusions about the uncertainty, fear and anger felt by many, who either lost or fear losing their jobs. Yet, when I see the sense of dignity and perseverance, the sheer determination of the people of Cyprus, I am confident that Cyprus will overcome the crisis

To recover from the shock, the priority was and still is to build solid and lasting foundations for the economy, for welfare and social fairness. In this context, I very much welcome the positive conclusion of the first review mission of the adjustment programme. And I commend the hard work done by the Cypriot authorities. On your road to recovery, let us not forget that sound fiscal policies and banking and structural reforms are not an aim in themselves. They are a means, and indeed conditions, to create jobs, growth and good living-standards on a lasting basis. The reforms that you are ambitiously undertaking will pay off

You are not alone in your huge efforts towards recovery. Let me assure you that all the countries in the European Union are by your side: they will continue to show solidarity with Cyprus. After the EU-IMF loan last spring, European leaders in June also agreed on additional funds to help Cyprus return to growth. These 200 million euro should in 2014 and 2015 add to the already agreed half a billion euro worth of support from the European budget in 2014 to 2020

I know economic recovery is not easy and that it is not just a matter of financial aid but I am convinced that through all these efforts - first and foremost by the people of Cyprus, and with the support of your partners in Europe - Cyprus will steadily build its way to a better future

The energy perspectives for Cyprus are an important factor of hope. The European Union is clear on Cyprus' rights to explore and exploit its natural resources

Let me now turn to something that is very close to my European heart and has always been at the core of what our Union is about: reconciliation, and in the case of Cyprus, reunification. Conflicts often seem intractable but they can always, always, be overcome through trust, through dialogue. Forty years of division on this island must come to an end. I warmly welcome the President's commitment and determination to work for a lasting solution

There are encouraging signs, and I hope reunification talks can resume as soon as possible. I strongly encourage both parties not to miss the current opportunity. Under the auspices of the United Nations, a fair, comprehensive and viable solution to the Cyprus problem is within reach. This would be greatly beneficial, in so many ways

I want to assure you that the European Union fully supports the efforts of the leaders of the two communities to reach a solution. I am engaged and will personally follow this process very closely

Finally, a few words on the upcoming meetings in the European Council, which the President and I also discussed this morning

In the months ahead European leaders will continue to focus on our agenda for growth and jobs, and on deepening the Economic and Monetary Union. A return to positive economic growth in 2014 in large parts of the Union will also help Cyprus with its recovery. An increased European competitiveness will make our economies more robust. That is why I put energy, taxation, the digital economy, innovation, defence industry and industrial competitiveness on the agenda of the European Council

As in Cyprus, all European countries have to work on lasting solutions for growth and jobs. And we will succeed. Just as we Europeans did in overcoming the existential threat to the euro, which is now behind us. We weathered the storm - as Cyprus will do

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