We are ready to work hard to find a settlement of the Cyprus question the soonest possible, Cyprus President Demetris Christofias said here on Sunday, adding that this settlement must be based on the fundamental principles of the international and European law, through mutual understanding.
He added that despite the fact that the settlement will constitute a compromise “we will not accept any settlement for the sake of a settlement”.
Asked about a statement by Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, Christofias said that if Turkey, its friends and Talat want the Cyprus question to be settled they must respect UN resolutions and international law principles and the values and principles of the EU, to reach a settlement based on these principles and satisfying the well-perceived interests of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
They should not ask from us to give our consent to an unacceptable settlement in order to prevent any EU sanctions on Turkey or Talat’s removal from the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community,” he added.
Responding to questions by journalists, Christofias said that he has made no commitment to apply for Cyprus’ accession to the Partnership for Peace.
Asked about a joint statement by Turkey and the US, during US Foreign Secretary Hillary Clinton's visit to Turkey, expressing support to efforts to solve the Cyprus question and to lift the so-called isolation of Turkish Cypriots, President Christofias said “our position on this issue is stable. We believe that with the settlement of the Cyprus question what they call isolation of the Turkish Cypriots will be lifted.”
Invited to comment on statements by British High Commissioner in Cyprus on the Cyprus question and the pace of the negotiations, President Christofias said he did not want to make any comments regarding statements by Ambassadors, adding that “in my point of view they must be more careful”.
President Christofias and Talat have been engaged in direct talks since September last year, with a view to reach a settlement of the question of Cyprus, divided since the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974.
