THE TWO leaders yesterday showed glimpses of optimism that an agreement could be reached on the issue of police in a reunited federal Cyprus.
Speaking after his meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, President Demetris Christofias said: “Under certain circumstances, we are not that far from achieving full convergence.”
“But I want to show a little restraint, and wait for the next meeting of our advisors,” he added.
Christofias said he tabled a proposal during the meeting on the competencies of the central government and constituent states to sign and implement international treaties.
“There will be a response on the part of Mr Eroglu and our advisors will discuss the details,” he said.
For his part, Eroglu said the two leaders aim to conclude their discussion of both the police and competencies of the constituent states before meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Geneva on July 7.
Speaking to reporters on his return from the talks, Eroglu said he also raised the issue of Christofias’ comments made during an official trip to Australia, where the president noted Turkey would never join the EU without the Cyprus problem solved.
The Turkish Cypriot leader repeated the view often promulgated by Turkish diplomacy that it was a mistake to let Cyprus into the EU with the Cyprus problem unresolved. Eroglu added that Cyprus assuming the EU presidency in 2012 was a “sad and provocative” issue.
His aid Kudret Ozersay has gone so far as to suggest in recent Turkish Cypriot news articles that certain circles within the EU believe Cyprus’ participation in the Trio Presidency should be postponed.
On the upcoming tripartite meeting with Ban, Christofias said he wants to go to next month’s meeting in Geneva with as many convergences between the two sides as possible.
Asked to comment on Ban’s renewal of UNFICYP’s mandate, Christofias noted the report was not based on purely political criteria and did not refer to the SG’s role and mandate, which will likely be included in a new report after the July 7 meeting.
In his report, Ban made reference to a European club basketball match in Nicosia “marred by acts of hooliganism by Greek Cypriot fans against the Turkish team players” as well as the fact “Turkish Cypriot police interrupted a Christmas service for the Greek Cypriot residents in the Karpas Panninsula”.
Christofias said these two incidents did take place, noting that Ban also commended the role of the Cypriot police in tackling the situation during the basketball match. Christofias added such incidences must be avoided as they create tension and harm trust between the two sides.
Asked if the role of the UNSG could change, Christofias pointed out that only the Security Council can determine or change his role.
“We are in favour of maintaining the UN Secretary-General’s role as it has been defined by the Security Council,” he said.
The two leaders will meet again on July 15, while their respective aides will meet before then.
