Statement by Independent Presidential Candidate Achilleas Demetriades

SUBMISSION OF CANDIDACIES FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS OF 5^TH FEBRUARY, 2023

Nicosia, International Conference Centre ‘Filoxenia’ 5 January 2023

This independent candidacy aspires to give a voice to those who feel that the system does not represent them.

I would like to thank Titina Loizidou for nominating me, as well as Erato Kozakou Marcoullis, Alecos Modinos, Stavros Zenios, Popi Avraam and all the other friends and active citizens who support me. I also want to thank Yvonne, Alexandros, Paris and the team at the campaign office for their patience  and help.

Special thanks to ‘Ammochostos for Cyprus’ and the Chief Returning Officer and his team.

The future of Cyprus cannot be partition. It can be averted. The European Union is our shield. Energy and EU-Turkish relations are the keys to unlock the negotiating process.

We need credibility. Those who have brought the Cyprus issue to its current tragic juncture, are part of the problem and cannot be part of the solution.

We must put an end to corruption that damages the reputation of our country and embarrasses us.  There must be a genuine criminal inquiry into the scandal of the golden passports. The competencies of the Attorney General must be separated. And there must be checks and transparency in the appointment of independent officials and effective audits of asset declarations.

The President must lead by example. There are no excuses for corruption.

I am aware of the many difficulties we face. But I have learned in life not to sit back and describe problems, but to set targets and to work hard to achieve them.

I want to serve my country. I want us to pass on to our children an honest state, and a green and united Cyprus.

I am asking voters for support with a clear proposal. I am urging them to join me in making a dynamic new start.

The elections are not the end of the road. They are the beginning.

I am here to stay in the political life.

Because I genuinely believe that Cyprus deserves better.

TITINA LOIZIDOU: WHY I SUPPORT ACHILLEAS

On the occasion of today’s official submission of candidacies for the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus and my decision to nominate and support the candidacy of Achillea Demetriades, I would like to make the following statement:

Over the past 30 years I have shared with Achilleas Demetriades all the phases of my individual recourse against Turkey. The decisions of the European Court of Human Rights in my case safeguard the right to property and constitute a landmark in the pursuit of our rights, and at the same time give a legal basis on the property issue in the negotiations for a Cyprus settlement.

Through this lengthy course, I have known Achilleas as a person, a lawyer but also as a politician, who was called to handle difficult situations. I saw a person who gained experience and knowledge, both on the legal and the political level. Always with careful planning, organisation and preparation and in coordination with all involved government officials who participated in this effort, and especially Attorney Generals Michalakis Triantafyllides and Alecos Markides.

Sincere and methodical, a person who stays ahead of developments, combined with his tireless efforts, Achilleas has succeeded at multiple levels. Astute and enthusiastic, combative and committed to his objectives, he has never hesitated to speak his mind and when he felt he was right, to disagree and take his own position.

But beyond Achilleas’ role as a lawyer who is active in human rights issues, his candidacy gives voters, and especially young voters, the opportunity to support a genuinely independent candidate. Achilleas inspires and at the same times offers a new approach. For Achilleas, problems and deadlocks are a challenge he is determined to work to resolve.

Cyprus, Mrs Loizidou stressed, “needs a person like Achilleas. I am proud that today I can stand next to him and support this huge venture for the Presidency of the Republic.”

100 SUPPORTERS OF CANDIDACY OF ACHILLEAS DEMETRIADES

 Nominated by:

 TITINA LOIZIDOU: Tour guide. Achieved the first legal victory against Turkey in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)

Supported by: