The Greek Cypriot side will continue to act consistently, reliability, and a constructive spirit, and it is with this approach that the President of the Republic will attend the August 26 meeting with the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, ready to discuss in a positive and constructive manner all issues that can contribute to the effort to make progress, Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis said on Sunday.
In a commemorative address at the National Memorial Service for the Fallen and a prayer service for the discovery of the missing persons from the occupied community of Argaki, at the Church of St. Nicholas in Kato Polemidia, the Minister said that we do not overlook the difficulties or the issues that remain outside the agreed framework. “With perseverance, consistency, and clear political will, we will continue to work so that the current momentum is transformed into substantial progress,” he said.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Mr. Senekis said that after a long period of stagnation, there is renewed momentum regarding the Cyprus issue, and the personal involvement of the United Nations Secretary-General, his recent visit to Cyprus, and his decision to proceed—following the necessary groundwork— to convene a new, expanded meeting, are creating a new prospect, which we view with cautious optimism.
“Our goal remains clear: the resumption of substantive negotiations from the point where they were suspended in the summer of 2017. A key element in this effort is a more substantial EU presence. Our pursuit of more active European engagement has now taken concrete form, through the appointment of the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission as the EU Special Envoy for the Cyprus Issue,” he stated.
The Minister noted that the ongoing occupation cannot constitute the future of the homeland and its people, and that the passage of time cannot legitimize the consequences of the invasion and occupation, nor can it makethe current state of affairs acceptable as a permanent reality.
“That is why the resolution of the Cyprus problem is the highest national priority for the President of the Republic and the Government. We are working to end the occupation and liberate our homeland through a sustainable and workable solution, based on United Nations resolutions, the agreed framework, and the negotiating acquis, with full respect for the principles and values of the European Union,” he said.
He praised the sacrifice of the fallen Argakiotes, saying that they have consistently answered the “answered the historic calls of their homeland,” while regarding the village’s missing persons, he said that they are now being given the honors they deserve, alongside prayers for the clarification of their fate.
Source: CNA
