THE NEGOTIATING process for the settlement was at a critical juncture and that required daring decisions, said President Anastasiades on Saturday night.
Speaking at the unveiling of a bust of the Lebanese philosopher, artist and poet Gibran Khalil Gibran in Limassol, Anastasiades said: “We are at a critical juncture in the negotiating process of the Cyprus problem at which daring political decisions are demanded.”
“A settlement, which, as I have repeatedly said, must take into account the reasonable concerns and worries of the two communities in Cyprus, without creating winners or losers,” he added.
The president said Gibran was “one of the most important figures in literature and the arts. “Khalil Gibran’s work was a revelation and an inspiration for many generations, and encouraged true diversity of thought,” said the president and added:
“He influenced the lives of millions of people around the world, expressing the importance of kindness, compassion for others, expression of gratitude, and helping others in need. Exactly what Lebanese people represent,” the president said. “Khalil Gibran, through his writing and books, has helped many people come to the realisation of valuing the importance of those around us.”
The unveiling of Gibran’s bust in Limassol
Anastasiades also spoke about the long and friendly ties between Cyprus and Lebanon. The people of Cyprus will always be grateful for Lebanon’s support in the aftermath of the Turkish invasion in 1974 he said and noted that “Cyprus, in its part, provided a safe destination to thousands of Lebanese refugees fleeing the civil war, many of whom opted to settle here and today call Cyprus their home.”
Gibran was also quoted by Anastasiades. “Yesterday is but today’s memory, and tomorrow is today’s dream,” said the president before expressing his dream. “My dream is to see the reunification of my island. Of our island.”
The unveiling ceremony of the Gibran bust, on Makarios Avenue near the Kanika centre, was attended by Lebanon’s Ambassador to Cyprus Dr. Youssef Sadaka.
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