Says Turkish troops must withdraw
Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos said in New York on Sunday that he expects “some move” by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan “in the near future” with regard to a renewed peace initiative towards a negotiated settlement.
A few months ago the then representative of the UN on the Cypus problem, Sir Kieran Prendergast, had indicated that no moves would be made on Cyprus in the near future because the sides were too far apart on major issues.
Speaking at a press conference after his address to the 60th session of the UN General Assembly, Papadopoulos reiterated his stance that Turkish troops must be withdrawn as part of a solution and that no time limits should be put on negotiations.
Under the UN Plan rejected by Greek Cypriots but accepted by Turkish Cypriots last year, all Greek and Turkish troops were meant to withdraw completely, but no timetable was given for the withdrawal of the last few hundred Greek and Turkish troops that would have remained.
“The important aspect is not only the number of troops which remain but also the powers that they would have, a powerful intervention, which would have been enhanced as to what are the powers which the contingents of Greece and Turkey have under the 1960 Treaties” that established the Republic of Cyprus, said Papadopoulos.
However, the word “move” by the UN seems to be loosely interpreted.
Asked by CNA if Cyprus is closer to the start of a new initiative, Papadopoulos said that UN efforts are not a one off exercise “but a sustained effort being even now exercised in a number of ways, not necessarily by having the two sides sitting across the table and carrying on negotiations.”
Asked if any time table has been set for the start of a renewed effort, he replied “we are far away from that. I expect some move by the Secretary General in the near future.”
“There should be a calculated prospect of an agreement being probably or within reach, as another failed effort would not be in the interest of anybody,” he said.
Papadopoulos also called on the EU, which Cyprus joined last year, to take a more active role in a fresh peace effort.
However, appearing to raise doubts again about his professed commitment to a bizonal, bicommunal federation, Papadopoulos said “We will not accept a solution which will lead to the creation of two separate states, entities, whatever you may wish to call them, on the island. I do not believe it will be in the interest of the population of Cyprus,” he said.
Under the UN plan, there would have been two ‘constituent states’–a Greek Cypriot State and a Turkish Cypriot State forming a federation.
“The general view prevailing after the referenda (April 2004) was that the Annan plan was uniquely balanced and fair. I believe that now this is no longer the case, everybody appreciates that changes must be made to the new concept of a solution that has to come about,” he said.
