Forum for the Future of Democracy 2011
‘The Interdependence of Democracy and Social Cohesion’

Opening session

H.E. Demetris CHRISTOFIAS
President of the Republic of Cyprus

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Cyprus in order to participate in the 2011 Session of the Council of Europe Forum for the Future of Democracy. We are very pleased to see such an array of high level representatives of Governments, Parliaments, Local and Regional Authorities and civil society ready to embark on a fruitful discussion on strengthening democracy, political freedoms and citizen-participation in member states.

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to the High Level representatives and experts coming from the Southeastern Mediterranean region, in view of the important events that are taking place there, including the struggle for democratic transformation. With very close political and historical ties with most of these countries, Cyprus, which is a neighbouring state and also a member of both the European Union and the Council of Europe, is in a unique position to act as a bridge between these organizations and the countries of the region. The development of the Southern Dimension within the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy will be one of the priorities of our Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the second Semester of 2012.

The topics to be discussed in the Forum are high on the agenda of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. Strengthening the representation and the democratic participation through public dialogue and civic engagement is a priority, as well as a challenge for all the member states of the Council of Europe.

This year’s theme which is the “Interdependence of Democracy and Social Cohesion” acquires particular importance since these two concepts are put to the test by the severe, global financial and social crisis and the interrelated pressures faced by our governments and institutions. These challenges are, amongst others, aggravated by political tensions, ethnic conflicts, environmental degradation, illegal immigration, xenophobia and intolerance. These pressures have eroded the social fabric of our societies.

Democracy and social cohesion are interrelated since you cannot have one without the other. The core values of the Council of Europe, human rights, democracy and the rule of law are a sine qua non for safeguarding social cohesion and ultimately the well-being of our citizens. Democracy cannot remain a static concept but it must be an ever evolving process able to tackle the new challenges.

Achieving social justice, democratic security and sustainable development is the ultimate goal and the result of our commitment towards achieving social cohesion.

Minimizing disparities and avoiding marginalization can only be achieved by strengthening solidarity and shared responsibility and by avoiding the division of society, imposed by social inequality and poverty.

In meeting these challenges, we need to empower people to actively engage in the democratic process. Democracy must remain a system that allows people to fully enjoy their civil and social rights and freedoms and lead a dignified life, allowing them in turn to contribute to public life.

As President of the Republic of Cyprus, but also as the negotiator of the Greek Cypriot community, I try my utmost to convince the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community that in a real, united, democratic and federal Cyprus, democracy and freedoms must prevail. Otherwise, a solution without democracy and without the implementation of these freedoms creates conditions for turmoil.

However the democratic process and all its benefits can never be successful unless they take place within conditions of security; security within states as well as between states. One must never have to choose between democracy and security. Security without democracy could amount to autocracy. Democracy without security could lead to anarchy.

Today, the security environment continues to be extremely volatile. Disregard for international law in the behavior of states certainly contributes to aggravating existing pressures. Foreign policy, apart from national interests, must have as its main goal, the cultivation of friendly relations between states. The international community must find the way to ensure the implementation of the norms and principles of international law which in itself will contribute to creating a more secure environment amongst states.

Finally, I would like to congratulate the co-organizers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security of the Republic of Cyprus and the Council of Europe for the excellent organization of this Forum. Allow me to also wish all participants a very productive dialogue, as well as a pleasant stay in Cyprus.