Cyprus will continue its upgraded role in Eastern Mediterranean, President Nicos Anastasiades assured on Thursday, adding that a solution to the Cyprus problem will point out internationally in a more effective manner the island`s activity in the region.
In a speech at the inauguration of ZENON Coordination Centre (ZENON CC) in Larnaca, he said the “centre proves that we are a credible link between Europe, North Africa and the Middle East and puts Cyprus on the international map of civil security and defence, allowing us to strengthen its important geostrategic role in the security of Eastern Mediterranean and the EU.
Anastasiades said: “Undoubtedly, the solution of the national issue will point out internationally in a more effective manner our activity in the region and strengthen our credible and positive contribution in efforts to handle the multiple challenges in the area.”
This, he added, provided that we reach a bizonal, bicommunal federation where Cyprus will continue to maintain an independent external policy and an effective participation in EU institutions.
Any agreed solution by the two communities, he stressed, should not put Cyprus in the custody of or under the influence of any third country through the presence of foreign military troops or guarantees on the island.
He said: “This would tantamount to an incomprehensible anachronism, affecting the independence and sovereignty of a member of the UN and the EU.”
Upgraded role in the region
He further assured all that the Republic of Cyprus will continue its upgraded role in the region.
Regarding the ZENON CC, he said it is an infrastructure project in SAR matters, not only for our country but for the neighbouring wider region and Europe. An area in which we are witnessing continuing unrest, extremism, sectarianism, civil war and terrorism, which have resulted in the violent displacement of millions of people, destruction of cultural heritage and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
He said ZENON CC will be a valuable and necessary tool that will complement the efforts on a European and international level to handle the increasing common threats.
It will also contribute in managing national crisis, according to the Zenon National Plan.
ZENON CC was funded by the Internal Security European Funds and will function as a Department of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), which is staffed by Military Personnel of the Ministry of Defence.
In his remarks, Interior Minister Socrates Hasicos said that Cyprus, as the easternmost side of the EU, can and should play an essential role in the effective management of migration flow from crisis countries in Eastern Mediterranean.
He said he was proud that the project was completed in only two months and was deemed essential by the Cabinet due to the continued crisis in the Middle East.
The centre can operate on a 24hour basis for as long as necessary with staff from essential services, the Police, the National Guard, the Fire Brigade and Civil Defence to inform and mobilise all interested parties in implementing the necessary Special national plan. It will also be linked up with existing centres for real time exchange of information.
Source: CNA
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