His Excellency Nikos Christodoulides, President of Republic of Cyprus: I am often asked if I am optimistic about peace in Cyprus after 50 years. Allow me to recall the words of Jean Monnet: “Now is not the time for blind optimism or paralytic pessimism. Now we must be determined.”
Therefore, my answer is clear: I am determined to work tirelessly and courageously for peace in Cyprus. My goal is to reunite my country and its people into a modern, sustainable European state.
I am committed to ensuring that all Cypriots enjoy the same rights and fundamental freedoms that other Europeans enjoy. They deserve nothing less.
I am determined not to disappoint them.
To my Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot compatriots, I hear your call for peace. It has not faded over time; it has become stronger and more resolute.
79th United Nations General Assembly, New York
