The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, expresses his readiness for the upcoming meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman, in his written statement marking the somber anniversary of the second phase of the Turkish invasion.
He emphasizes his intention to discuss all issues in a constructive manner, while referring to the creation of a new framework for the Cyprus problem.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“Today marks 52 years since the second phase of the brutal Turkish invasion, which left even deeper scars of tragedy on our homeland and our people. While talks were underway in Geneva to find a peaceful solution, Turkey pressed ahead with its plans, expanding its brutal invasion and illegal occupation of part of the Republic of Cyprus. Famagusta, Morphou, and dozens of villages and communities were occupied. Thousands of people were forcibly expelled from their homes and properties,” states the President of the Republic.
He emphasizes that “fifty-two years later, the wounds remain open. Today, we commemorate first and foremost, with respect, those who fell and fought in defense of their homeland and its freedom. We stand in solidarity with the families of the missing and the fallen, with our refugees, and with those trapped behind the lines. Fifty-two years is a long time. The unacceptable status quo cannot be the future of our homeland and our people. Liberation, an end to the occupation, and the achievement of a sustainable and workable solution remain our highest national priority. A solution based on United Nations resolutions and the agreed framework, the negotiating acquis, and, of course, the principles, values, and justice of the European Union.”
As he adds, today, “as a result of our own persistent efforts, a new initiative by the Secretary-General is underway. An effort to resume talks from where they were suspended in the summer of 2017, within the framework of the United Nations, based on the negotiating achievements, so that we can cover the last mile toward resolving the Cyprus issue, as the UN Secretary-General himself stated during his recent visit to Cyprus.”
He also refers to a new perspective on the Cyprus issue.
“The UN Secretary-General’s visit to Cyprus and his decision to convene a new, expanded meeting, following appropriate preparatory work, create a new prospect that makes us cautiously optimistic. At the same time, our ongoing efforts to secure more active involvement by the European Union have borne fruit and have contributed decisively to the ongoing process. The appointment of the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission as the EU Special Representative for the Cyprus Issue, as well as the linking of progress in EU-Turkey relations to substantive progress on the Cyprus issue, significantly strengthen the Secretary-General’s efforts.”
Referring to the meeting the President of the Republic will have with Tufan Erhurman, he expresses his readiness, without overlooking the difficulties.
“At the same time, I am prepared, during my next meeting on August 26 with the Turkish Cypriot leader, to discuss all issues in a positive and constructive manner, just as I did during our recent joint meetings in the presence of the UN Secretary-General. We do not overlook the difficulties, nor do we underestimate the challenges and positions that remain outside the agreed framework. With perseverance, consistency, assertive realism, and clear political will, we will continue to work to create the conditions for the resumption of substantive negotiations from the point where they were suspended.”
He adds, today, the return of the enclosed city of Famagusta to its lawful residents—in addition to complying with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and international law— will be an act that will serve as a catalyst for the Secretary-General’s efforts and will bring about a real prospect for the creation of a mutually beneficial state of affairs.
“As President of the Republic of Cyprus, I call on everyone to show unity and national solidarity during these critical hours, so that we may achieve our common national goal, which is none other than ending the occupation, liberating, and reunifying our homeland.”
