PRESIDENT Demetris Christofias yesterday reiterated his desire to meet with the Turkish leadership so he can share his vision for a solution to the Cyprus problem, as he addressed the UN General Assembly in New York.
“From this podium, I repeat my call to the Turkish leadership to meet me, parallel to the negotiating process, so that I can share with them my vision for a solution of the Cyprus problem which would serve the interests of the Cypriots, of Turkey, of Greece as well as of peace and security in the region,” said Christofias.
However, he criticised the Turkish leadership for repeatedly telling the international community that it desired a solution to the Cyprus problem by the end of 2010.
“We are still waiting for their words to be transformed into action,” he said. “The same expectation was repeatedly voiced by the European Council as well as in a recent resolution of the European Parliament.”
Turkey must respect the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, he added, and must contribute to the achievement of an agreement that will reunite Cyprus and its people.
“Our vision is a reunited Cyprus, common homeland of Greek and Turkish Cypriots, without any foreign troops or settlers and with the human rights and fundamental freedoms of its people, Greek or Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins fully respected. I would like to reiterate my commitment to do my outmost in this direction.”
Christofias informed the UN General Assembly that Cyprus was celebrating 50 years since the Republic’s establishment,, as well as 50 years as a full member of the UN.
He referred to the difficulties that followed the establishment of Cyprus’ independence in 1960 – particularly in achieving the necessary political cooperation between the two communities; a matter further exacerbated by foreign interference – leading to the Turkish invasion in 1974, he said.
“The people of Cyprus have suffered enough,” said Christofias. “It is time to overcome the problems, to achieve reconciliation between the two communities and to reunite our country and our people for the sake of peace and of the future generations.”
Referring to his negotiations with the Turkish Cypriot side – with former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat and currently with Dervis Eroglu – the President added: “Two years into the process, and despite the difficulties, some progress, although not such as anticipated, has been achieved on certain issues. At the outset of this process we agreed with the Secretary-General that there would not be any artificial deadlines or outside interventions in the form of arbitration or submission of ready-made solutions.”
Christofias informed the Assembly on his three proposals, which include his suggestion to link the property chapter with territorial adjustments and settlers in order to give impetus to the process, as well as a return of the fenced off town of Famagusta to its legal residents – something he made special reference to.
“The set of my proposals will benefit all sides and can create the necessary political climate that will push forward the entire process,” said the President. “Unfortunately, the new Turkish Cypriot leader and the Turkish leadership have rejected these proposals.”
Earlier in the day, Christofias said there could only be a solution to the Cyprus problem, “if Turkey truly wants it”.
Asked during a news conference to comment on Eroglu’s claims that UN’s special envoy in Cyprus, Alexander Downer’s patience was exhausted by the Greek Cypriot side’s proposals, Christofias replied: “Mr Downer, or any Mr Downer, has no right to feel exhausted. He has been here less than two years, while the UN has been here for 40 and the Secretary-General has never said he is exhausted. I can say I am exhausted, dealing with the Turkish proposals, but not Mr Downer.”
Christofias also called for the National Guard and Turkish army to cancel their autumn military exercises.
