Address by President of Democratic Rally Mr. Averof Neofytou at the Founding Congress of CYweCAN Initiative
Friday, 18 December 2015, Chateau Status, 7.00pm
Dear Mr. Presidents Talat and Ozygit,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,
It is with pleasure that I am here with you today at the Founding Congress of the CYweCan Initiative.
An Initiative where Greek and Turkish Cypriot political youth organizations participate, as well as NGOs from both communities, and youth organizations of bi-communal character.
This initiative is mainly supported by young people who in their majority have neither memories nor experiences from the co-existence of our two communities. This fact alone reinforces the springboard of optimism that indeed CYweCAN.
The creation of this Initiative underlines the need of young people from both communities to be at the frontlines of the effort to reunite our common home, with the goal of a better tomorrow.
Dear Friends,
We have the privilege to discuss and dream for a better future. At the same time we are watching our troubled neighborhood in the Eastern Mediterranean in flames. The necessity of stability in the region of the Eastern Mediterranean is imperative.
International developments have increased the need for a stability pillar in the region. Cyprus can be this credible pillar of political, economic, and energy cooperation and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. A reunited Cyprus can play this role and in addition, be the link connecting the European Union with the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
Dear friends,
The Democratic Rally remains deeply committed in achieving a permanent, functional and viable solution of the Cyprus problem. A solution based on a bi-zonal bi-communal federation in line with international law, the relevant Security Council resolutions and European principles and values. We want a unified, functional and viable federal Cyprus, which will ensure the future prosperity of all Cypriots within the European Union. It is essential that the solution achieved, respects all human rights and fundamental freedoms, ensuring in this way a common European future for all citizens.
We strongly support the current negotiation process and sincerely hope that it will soon reach a mutually agreed and beneficial solution for all inhabitants of Cyprus.
Dear friends,
Let’s think like fellow countrymen. Let’s consider the enormous potential a united Cyprus has. Let us consider the positive impact at all levels. Where our human resources will be trilingual with the Greek, Turkish and English languages. Where Christians and Muslims will grow together, live together, raise families and businesses together and send their children to the same schools. A global example of harmonious coexistence and productive cooperation within the European Union. This is undoubtedly a vision worth believing in.
Dear Friends,
We want on top of fear to put hope. And hope exists.
We want next to the risks, which exist, to lay the prospects. And there are prospects.
The prospect of a proper compromise exists not only to liberate our common homeland, but also the great potential that Cyprus will be able to utilize.
For this reason the foundation of the Initiative CYweCAN today has the potential to contribute positively to the promotion of bi-communal cooperation. The will of young people from both communities to live in a peaceful and united island, respecting diversity and the desire for a better tomorrow so that together we can enjoy the benefits of peaceful coexistence and cooperation within the European reality is of paramount importance.
I wish every success in CYweCAN Initiative. As Democratic Rally we will support your efforts. CyweCAN!
