The key to the solution of the Cyprus problem lies in Ankara, Cypriot MPs have told a delegation of the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), stressing the need for more intense efforts by the international community towards this direction.
According to an official announcement issued here on Monday, the members of the delegation, currently visiting Cyprus, attended a working lunch hosted by the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Averof Neofytou.
The announcement says that Cypriot MPs, who also attended the lunch, referred to the basic aspects of the Cyprus issue as well as Greek-Cypriot side’s adherence to the efforts undertaken to solve the problem, in accordance with the international law, the relevant UN resolutions, the High Level Agreements between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities (which provide for a bizonal bicommunal federal solution) and European values and principles.
They have also noted that the pursued solution must be functional and viable, securing respect of the fundamental human rights and basic freedoms of the Cypriot people as a whole.
Furthermore, they expressed deep appreciation for Canada’s contribution to the efforts for the resolution of the Cyprus problem as well as Canada’s long participation in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), which arrived on the island in March 1964 after intercommunal fighting broke out.
Canadian Branch President Russ Hiebert referred to Canada’s strong ties with Cyprus due to the contribution of his country to UNFICYP and the participation of the two countries in international organisations such as the Commonwealth.
Hiebert stressed the need to enhance further relations and cooperation between Canada and Cyprus in various fields and levels, including parliamentary ties. He noted the importance of Cyprus for Canada, as an EU member state, in promoting his country’s relations with EU.
Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot Leader Mehmet Ali Talat have been engaged in talks, under UN auspices, since last September with a view to finding a mutually agreed settlement that will reunite the country.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
