PROPOSALS tabled in the negotiations by the Greek Cypriot side but not accepted by the Turkish Cypriots could give new impetus to the process
aimed at achieving a solution soon, officials said yesterday.
“If accepted, the package of proposals repeated yesterday (Thursday) by President Demetris Christofias, will provide a boost to the negotiating
procedure with the aim of achieving a solution soon,” government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou said.
The package, which has been previously proposed to the Turkish Cypriot side during the negotiations, suggests linking the discussion of three of
the chapters of the Cyprus problem – those dealing with property, territorial readjustments and the one dealing with immigration, citizenship,
foreigners and asylum.
“Simultaneous discussion of these chapters will ease the resolution of a difficult and thorny problem like property and at the same time expedite
dialogue,” Stefanou said. “The Turkish Cypriot side has not accepted this proposal so far despite declaring it desires a solution by the end of
2010.”
The proposals also urge Turkey to apply the UN Security Council resolution 550, adopted in 1984, which provides for Turkey handing over Varosha
to the UN.
“The aim is the restoration of the town so that its lawful inhabitants return,” the government spokesman said.
Part and parcel of this is the opening of the port of Famagusta under the auspices of the European Union to benefit the Turkish Cypriot community
in developing relations with the EU “in a way that will promote reunification.”
Christofias has also proposed convening an international conference “when we are within range of an agreement on the internal aspects (of the
Cyprus problem).”
The international conference would be convened by the United Nations with the participation of the five permanent members of the Security
Council, the European Union, the guarantor powers, the Republic of Cyprus and the communities.
The object of the international conference would be resolving the international aspect of the Cyprus problem, which includes the issues of
guarantees and security, the presence of foreign military forces in Cyprus as well as the presence of Turkish settlers.
“The proposals … are realistic and balanced and can easily be implemented,” Stefanou said. “It is also important that all sides involved in the
Cyprus problem will benefit by their implementation and it would certainly serve the prospect of resolving the Cyprus problem.”
Government partners DIKO said linking the property, territory and settlers issues and advancing resolution 550 “could form a tactical framework,
which will have the acceptance and support from all political forces”.
DIKO spokesman Fotis Fotiou said the simultaneous discussion of all important chapters of the Cyprus problem would force Turkey to submit its own
position in order to determine her true intentions.
Opposition DISY said the proposals moved in a positive direction.
