Συνέντευξη Μακαριωτάτου στην εκπομπή Επωνύμως του ΡΙΚ1

Παρακολουθήστε τη συνέντευξη που παραχώρησε ο Μακαριώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Κύπρου κ.κ. Χρυσόστομος, την Τρίτη 12 Μαρτίου 2013, στη Δημοσιογράφο Αιμιλία Κενεβέζου, η οποία παρουσιάζει και επιμελείται την εκπομπή “Επωνύμως” στο ΡΙΚ1.

Δείτε τη συνένετυξη εδώ…

Ειδησιογραφική αναφορά στην αγγλική γλώσσα, από το δημοσιογράφο κ. Ανδρέα Χατζήπαπα, για την συνέντευξη της Α. Μ. του Αρχιεπισκόπου Κύπρου κ. κ. Χρυστοστόμου, στο ΡΙΚ την Τρίτη, 12 Μαρτίου 2013.

The Troika is seeking  to impose harsh terms on Cyprus as part of the bailout deal being negotiated  and their behaviour is unacceptable, Archbishop Chrysostomos has declared.

In an interview on CyBC television Tuesday evening, His Beatitude repeated that although he is a firm believer in European values \’\’if they impose measures that will strangulate  our economy, then it\’s better we leave the eurozone. It will not be easy, but at least we will save our dignity\’\’.

In previous remarks on Sunday, the head of the Cyprus Church urged the government to stand firm and not to make concessions to the EU and the IMF, saying “if they want to help and support us, their help is welcome. But if they want to destroy us (through harsh demands) then we say goodbye to the euro…we can survive with the Cyprus pound (the island\’s former currency)”.

In his TV interview, the Archbishop said he was disappointed with the stand of the island\’s European partners. \’\’We are in the same EU family and they are supposed to show solidarity towards another member state. But their stand is unacceptable, I never thought they would exert so much pressure on  Cyprus, make such harsh demands\’\’.

He warned that if small Cyprus was forced to leave the eurozone, other countries  would follow, \’\’and then it will be the beginning of the end (of the eurozone)”.

He dismissed any thought of  a haircut of bank deposits, as suggested by the Troika. \’\’That would make people take their money away and the banks would collapse in 24 hours…There are other and better ways to raise money\’\’.

He said the Church was prepared to help the government, but it also suffered big losses as a result of the current economic crisis. The Archbishopric has lost 60 per cent of its expected annual revenue, mainly from  banks,  while it continues to offer assistance to many  needy people \’\’every day and throughout the day\’\’.

He announced that he is negotiating a significant loan from abroad (around 100 million euros) so as to help reactivate the economy and create more jobs, especially in the hard-hit construction industry. \’\’Our top priority should be to restart the economy and create growth\’\’.
He repeated his views on privatization of certain semi-government organisations, to make them more efficient and competitive, stressing that people made redundant could be transferred to other jobs.

He spoke against any union plans for general strikes or pay claims, at this critical juncture, and remarked \’\’We must learn to live  more economically and not beyond our means\’\’.

His Beatitude welcomed the first moves by newly elected President Nicos Anastasiades, and said the Church would stand by his side. \’\’He is working very hard and according to plan. I am sure we will be pleasantly surprised by his political decisions\’\’.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, the Archbishop said any future  reunification talks should be held on a new basis. The Greek Cypriot side should draw up a draft plan for a settlement, based on European Union acquis and values, and present it to Europe and the world.

The Church got engaged in political discussions out of love and concern for the people and their welfare .  \’\’We do not intend to form any political party or seek political office. We are facing  an emergency situation and  we  as the Church must have a say\’\’.

On the island\’s division he said “Any new plan should ensure the island\’s reunification. I don\’t think there is any hand in Cyprus that will sign an agreement for the partition of the island. Our people have stamina and can endure and resist; despite the current economic difficulties, we shall not yield\’\’.

On other issues, His Beatitude said the Cyprus Orthodox Church was strongly opposed to cremation and civil partnership.

Andreas Hadjipapas