The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, reiterated the Greek Cypriot side’s readiness to resume negotiations on the Cyprus issue, even as early as tomorrow, emphasizing that there is no alternative to resolving the Cyprus issue. Speaking at the 6th Pan-Cypriot Refugee Gathering in Achna Forest, he assured that efforts will continue with the aim of ending the occupation and reunifying the homeland.
The President noted that the Greek Cypriot side’s proposals specifically address the issues raised by the United Nations Secretary-General, both regarding the methodology and confidence-building measures and concerning the substance of the Cyprus issue. As he emphasized, these proposals can create the prospect of resuming negotiations, while adding that this will be the clear message he will convey to the Turkish Cypriot leader during their meeting next week.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“Fifty-two years later, the essence of the Cyprus problem remains the illegal occupation of part of the territory of a member state of the United Nations and the European Union, as well as the systematic violation of individual rights and freedoms,” stated the President of the Republic.
He reiterated that from the very first day he assumed leadership of the country, he had made ending the occupation, liberating the homeland, and reunifying the country his top priority. “We will never, ever compromise on the occupation,” he emphasized.
Mr. Christodoulides noted that, despite the problems, difficulties, and challenges, efforts to resume negotiations are continuing, always based on the agreed framework and building on the achievements of past negotiations.
Recognizing that the situation remains difficult due to the Turkish approach, he noted that the Greek Cypriot side will exhaust even the slightest opportunity to resume substantive negotiations that will lead to a resolution of the Cyprus problem. “For us, there is no ‘Plan B’; for us, there is no other option but to resolve the Cyprus problem,” he said.
The President of the Republic referred to the political will of the United Nations Secretary-General, as recently expressed regarding the form of a solution to the Cyprus problem, as well as to the negotiating track record. At the same time, he referred to the support that, as he said, the Republic of Cyprus receives from the institutions, the member states, and the leadership of the European Union—support that was also demonstrated through the appointment of the Executive Vice President of the European Commission.
According to President Christodoulides, these developments give cause for optimism that the prospect of a solution remains open and that resolving the Cyprus problem is an achievable goal.
He reiterated, moreover, that the Greek Cypriot side is ready for the next step and to begin negotiations as early as tomorrow, noting that “all sides will be put to the test at the negotiating table,” while calling on the Turkish side to join the talks, since, as he noted, it has such confidence and certainty in its positions.
The President expressed his conviction that, provided there is genuine political will, the reunification of the homeland can be achieved, and he maintained that during his three-and-a-half years in office, our side has demonstrated through actions, not words, both its integrity and its clear political will.
Referring to the 1974 refugee crisis, the President of the Republic spoke of the men, women, and children who were uprooted from their homeland and sought refuge in hospitable Achna, as well as to every corner of free Cyprus, seeking dignity and relative safety.
He noted that the experiences of previous generations cannot be captured in words, while also highlighting the strength of the Cypriot people to rebuild from the ruins and achieve success in all areas.
As he stated, the experiences of the refugees strengthen the resolve to continue the effort and serve as a reminder of the duty owed to the people and the homeland to make every humanly possible effort, so as to honor in practice those who sacrificed themselves so that Cyprus might be free today, as well as those who kept the memory alive, hope alive, and the identity of the people intact.
