Cyprus anticipates a new effort by UNSG after sufficient preparation

The Cyprus government anticipates a new effort to be launched by the Secretary General of the UN following sufficient preparation of the ground through the full implementation of the agreement reached between the two leaders on the 8th of July 2006, and the process proposed by the UN, Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs George Lillikas said today, speaking at the Transatlantic Institute in Brussels on “The Cyprus issue after the accession of Cyprus to the EU”.
Lillikas assured that ”our steadfast aim” remains the achievement of a negotiated and mutually acceptable solution, actively involving the EU and all five permanent members of the Security Council, adding that “our vision and our ambitions for the settlement have not changed.”
He reiterated the Republic of Cyprus’ position in favour of a bicommunal and bizonal federal state in Cyprus, with a single sovereignty, international personality and citizenship, in conformity with international law, UN resolutions, the high level agreements, the EU acquis, and decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and the guarantee of the independence of Cyprus and its territorial integrity without the presence of foreign troops on its soil and the possibility of foreign interventions.
Lillikas assured that ”the solution of the Cyprus problem and the reunification of our country, our society, economy and institutions remains our constant concern and undeviating goal,” adding that “current developments however do not leave room for hopes that Turkey is ready to make the necessary gestures in order to achieve progress, either in the good offices mission of the UN Secretary General or on the EU front.”
“The process of bicommunal discussions at a technical level to address substantive aspects of the Cyprus problem, as well as issues that impact upon the day-to-day lives of Cypriots is unfortunately stalled because of the Turkish negative approach. In the EU context, Turkey has maintained a policy of confrontation by refusing to meet its obligations undertaken towards the European Union, including Cyprus,” he added.
He noted that despite Turkey’s stated European vocation, she still remains entangled in an anachronistic policy and approach of what it considers to be her geostrategic interests.
Lillikas said that while the UN retains its leading role in brokering a solution, it must nevertheless ensure that the proposed settlement conforms from the outset to the European laws and principles.
“This is a legitimate and necessary role attributed to the Union that should have no problem being accepted since all parties involved in the problem are either members or aspire to become members of the EU,” he noted.
Referring to Turkey’s EU accession course, he said that despite its legitimate reasons not to consent to Turkey’s accession course, Cyprus has rendered its support to this process, prompted by the strong belief that this process will serve the bona fide interests of Cyprus, as well as the mutual benefit of all parties involved, namely Turkey and the EU.
He added that regrettably, until now, Turkey’s continuing intransigence and denial to fulfill its commitments towards the Union and Cyprus ”have not offered us any ground for optimism.”
”However, we very much maintain our expectation that Turkey will at least proceed with the implementation of its legally binding obligations vis-a-vis the European Union,” he added.
Furthermore he noted that Cyprus‘ generous attitude towards Turkey‘s accession to the EU ”is met with a blockade against my country in its bid to join several international and regional organisations and mechanisms, a refusal to open their ports and airports to Cypriot vessels as required and a refusal to take any steps for normalising its relations with Cyprus.”
He stressed that ”we expect that Turkey will realise that it has to respect the European principles, as well as its future partners and neighbours.”
Moreover the Minister said that Turkey’s provocative stance is not questioned by the Turkish Cypriot leadership, ”which continues to promote policies that do not serve the real interests of the Turkish Cypriots but those of the occupying power.”
He also referred to the EU regulations with a view to promote the economic integration in Cyprus and to the adoption of a series of measures by the Cyprus Government since 2004, to assist the Turkish Cypriot community.
Lillikas referred to the efforts by Ankara and the Turkish Cypriot leadership to upgrade the so-called state in Cyprus‘ Turkish occupied areas, “through the ill-conceived notion of ‘isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community’.”
He noted that “despite these actions on the part of the Turkish Cypriot leadership, we are currently working closely with the German Presidency in order to move forward the regulation on trade for the areas of the Republic of Cyprus which are not under the effective control of the Government.”
“In this case too, the Turkish Cypriot leadership and others are aiming at obtaining a trading status that prevents any economic and commercial cooperation between the two communities,” Lillikas said.
He expressed the belief that “in situations such as Cyprus, we ought to be aiming at fostering common interests and incentives between the citizens of both communities, and I would go a step further by saying common problems as well.”
Elaborating on Cyprus’ role in the EU, Lillikas said “the accession of Cyprus to the EU has contributed to the political, economic and military expansion of the Union towards the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus has become a bridge to the Middle East.”
“Furthermore, the strategic importance of Cyprus as an alternative, in relation to Turkey, access to this area is becoming more and more apparent,” he said.