Below is the text of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Venizelos’ letter to the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus, Ioannis Kasoulides, on the occasion of the 54th anniversary of the declaration of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus:
Honorable Mr. Ioannis Kasoulides
Foreign Minister
of the Republic of Cyprus
On the occasion of the 54th anniversary of the declaration of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, I would like to congratulate you warmly.
Despite the economic crisis, Cyprus, a member state of the United Nations and of the European Union, continues to remain firmly on the track of the most developed societies and to maintain and strengthen the excellent relations it has built with most of the countries of the wider region, as well as with all the major and emerging powers on the planet.
The international legal personality of the Republic of Cyprus is an exceedingly important acquis that works in favor of all its citizens. A just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem can only exist within the framework of the relevant decisions of the UN Security Council, the high-level agreements, and the European community acquis. The international community recognizes, and must recognize, the responsible stance of the Republic of Cyprus and of the Greek Cypriot community. Progress hinges on Turkey’s stance. The Cyprus problem is, always, a problem of invasion, occupation and illegal settlement.
I would like to take this opportunity to assure you, once again, that, whatever the case, Greece, like the Republic of Cyprus, will never accept or participate in the legitimization of faits accomplis.
Evangelos Venizelo
October 1, 2014