LIMASSOL  -President of the Democratic Rally (DISY) and candidate in February’s presidential elections Nicos Anastasiades expressed Cyprus’ determination to take and implement all measures required for the consolidation of its economy and the creation of prospects of recovery and growth during his contacts, on the sidelines of the summit of the European People`s Party, which concluded here today.

Speaking at a press conference after the EPP Summit, Anastasiades said that he ​​explained to his interlocutors that Cyprus has the potential and can succeed in its effort to address its economic problems, noting however that today it needs the assistance of its European partners to avoid short-term but very serious risks.

He also assured that “we are not asking for any special treatment and that we will be consistent with all of our obligations”. He explained, however, that press reports on money laundering or on Cyprus being a tax haven are totally unfair and exaggerated."

DISY President thanked the European leaders, the members of EPP’s Presidency and the Secretary General of the EPP for being here, adding that the fact that the EPP’s Extraordinary Summit took place in Cyprus was a great honor and of a great political importance for Cyprus.


Anastasiades said that during the Summit, which concluded successfully in every respect, “we had the opportunity to discuss important issues, not only for the European People`s Party but also for the future of Europe”.

He added that both during the Summit and in his private meetings he raised the critical issues Cyprus is dealing with and asked for their support and solidarity.

He also raised the issue of the direct recapitalization of banks by the European Support Mechanism, echoing yesterday’s statements by the President of the Eurogroup.

At the same time, he continued, “I took the opportunity to present the positions of our side on the Cyprus issue, the issue raised in relation to the Monastery of Apostolos Andreas, and the efforts of the Republic of Cyprus to utilize energy reserves in its internationally recognized EEZ.”

“I am very pleased to see that the EPP has taken a positive stance on the matter. Cyprus is not alone. Our responsibility is to realize that national interests are served by having a consistent and reliable presence in European politics,” he pointed out.

The Meeting of the EPP was an opportunity to restore Cyprus in the heart of Europe along with its natural allies, he said.

Asked to comment on press reports and remarks by the German Chancellor on them, Anastasiades said "what emerges from the dialogue is that we will have Germany’s solidarity as well."

What Cyprus needs to do is to be reliable and consistent with what has already been agreed and what might be agreed if the debt is not sustainable, he explained.

"I must say that I am absolutely satisfied with my meeting with Mrs Merkel, the clarifications given to her and the clarifications she has provided," he added.

On his part, the Secretary General of the EPP Antonio López-Istúriz congratulated DISY and Nikos Anastasiades on a "fantastic" a meeting, adding that all the leaders of the EPP “have witnessed what is leadership about and what is responsibility about in the same kind of leadership that are taking action and measures to find solutions to problems”.

He said that today’s discussions focused on the future and not the past, praising Nicos Anastasiades for being a responsible politician, noting that he had never come to EPP meetings in Brussels to criticize the government but he always talks about Cyprus and defends Cyprus, irrespective of political considerations.

He also expressed his support for Anastasiades’ candidacy and wished him to win the presidential elections in February from the first round.

"We fully respect what the Cypriots will vote in the next presidential elections, but we hope that this will be the time for change, change for the better, and change for Cyprus to regain its leadership in the EU."

He concluded by saying that the Multi-annual Financial Framework and the EPP`s campaign for the European elections of 2014 were discussed during the summit.