We very well know that there is still more to be done in terms of transparency and restoring citizens' trust in the institutions, and for this purpose we are taking the necessary steps in coordination and cooperation with the Parliament and with other independent institutions, President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides said Friday, addressing the 4th Cyprus Forum which kicked off in Nicosia.

In a video message to the Forum, the President said that the absence of transparency is sometimes linked with corruption, an issue that greatly concerns Cyprus society. He added that the general perception is that everyone who is involved in public life contributes in one way or another or they do not prevent corruption in Cyprus.

The President noted that no matter how many laws and regulations we adopt and no matter how many decisions we take, if we do not uproot this perception of society, we will certainly not have achieved our goal.

President Christodoulides referred to the Eurobarometer indices on corruption saying that according to the figures of the past 15-20 years, justice in Cyprus was never questioned but unfortunately in recent years, even this very institution of justice in our country has been questioned.

In his speech the President referred to specific initiatives and measures taken by the government in the fight against corruption, which are also included in the governance program.

He specifically referred to the establishment and operation for the first time of a model of internal control unit in the Presidency, a development for which positive mention is made in the recent Evaluation Report of the GRECO for Cyprus.

He also referred to the open procedures on the basis of merit-based criteria for the appointment of Boards of Directors of Legal Entities under Public Law (Semi-Governmental Organizations) through the operation of the newly established Advisory Council and the institution of the annual presentation of the Action Plans and the report of the Ministries /Deputy Ministries.

He said that these steps will ensure that words and decisions will be put into action.

The President said that the Government Project Coordination and Support Secretariat has a supportive role and can significantly contribute to this end.

He also said that for the first time the Government will adopt a comprehensive Code of Conduct for members of the government, which constitutes the road map on the basis of which each member of the Government must act and conduct himself/herself throughout his/her term of office.

The President also said that the Government has the political will to tackle corruption and is in full alignment with what the citizens expect. He also praised the work and role of the Cyprus Forum, saying that it has rightly established itself as an important institution and an initiative that adds fruitfully and substantially to the public debate.