I was obliged to take tough, painful and bold decisions to ensure a manageable tomorrow.

It's a Cyprus of misery and soup kitchens and a state which cannot meet basic obligations. It can only cause me grief.

Cyprus was a breath away from economic collapse. It was a big battle in which we came out wounded, but upright and determined to make a fresh start.

The people of Cyprus have sent a strong message... of stability, credibility and change.

My government, a government of national unity, will make all necessary structural reforms.

If we don't make tough decisions today our children are going to have to make much, much tougher decisions tomorrow.