CYPRUS and Greece urged Turkey yesterday to accept proposals to speed up peace talks saying it could help Ankara’s bid to join the European Union.
“As far as Greece and Turkey is concerned, Cyprus can either divide us or unite us. Obviously we seek the latter,” said Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, on a brief stopover on the island on his way to the Middle East
“For us, solving the Cyprus problem is a precondition for full normalisation of Greco-Turkish relations,” Papandreou said.
Papandreou, an architect of closer relations between Turkey and Greece, met President Demetris Christofias, who said he had made proposals to speed up the talks. “The benefits of our proposals are clear for the Turkish Cypriot community, and the gains are equally clear for Turkey, which will benefit in its (EU) accession drive since chapters which are now frozen will open,” Christofias said.
Papandreou added: “We hope the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey study the proposals seriously.”
“These proposals could provide a boost to the bicommunal talks” and “they can also improve the climate significantly.”
The Turkish Cypriots have so far rejected the set of three proposals.
The Greek Cypriot side has proposed linking discussion of three the chapters of the Cyprus problem – those dealing with property, territorial readjustments and the one dealing with immigration, citizenship, foreigners and asylum.
It has also proposed the return of Varosha, in exchange for opening the port of Famagusta – under the EU – for use by the Turkish Cypriots.
Part of the deal is also repairing the old city of Famagusta.
Christofias has also proposed convening an international conference when the two sides 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 two countries yesterday agreed to coordinate on an international level to promote and advance the proposal package, Christofias said.
“It is clear that the toughening of the other side’s stance is in contradiction with statements by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership that they desire a solution by the end of this year,” the President said.
“Because we desire to have movement and boost the talks … we processed and presented specific proposals,” Christofias said. “If this proposal package is accepted, the climate will change and lead to results that would be positive for the Turkish Cypriots, Turkey, and Greek Cypriots.
