President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias has expressed hope that Turkey will change its stance on the Cyprus problem so that a settlement could be achieved.
President Christofias, accompanied by his spouse, Elsie, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou and associates, arrived in New York on Monday to participate in the works of the UN General Assembly. Minister of Foreign Affairs Marcos Kyprianou is already in New York since Saturday.
''Yet another UN General Assembly and we are obliged to present our problem once again, which unfortunately has not been solved,'' President Christofias said in statements to the press.
President Christofias said ''we will note the relative progress that has been made but we will clearly stress that so far progress in the talks does not give us the potential to be especially optimistic for a solution soon.''
''The differences existing in core issues, such as the issues of property, security, restoration of human rights, and I mean the rights of the refugees and the fundamental freedoms, are great,'' he pointed out.
He expressed hope that ''the Turkish side will change its stance, will change its philosophy, so that we can move quickly to a solution of the various aspects of the Cyprus problem.''
''I will raise with the General Assembly the question of the paradox that a country, which is now a non permanent member of the Security Council, is violating dozens of UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, is maintaining occupation troops in a UN member state. The same applies to Turkey's obligations concerning its European course,'' he added.
To questions regarding the issue of the fenced off town of Famagusta, President Christofias said efforts were being made to rebuild the town so that its lawful residents could return to their homes.
He added that there were UN resolutions calling on Turkey to hand over the town to the UN and that efforts were continuing, in cooperation with the town's Mayor.
Replying to other questions, President Christofias said ''Turkey is following a communication policy, which is unfortunately imbued with arrogance.''
He pointed out that, instead of implementing Security Council resolutions, Turkey has created a pseudostate in the occupied areas of Cyprus, which only Turkey recognises, and is struggling to gain recognition from other countries.
Furthermore, he said, Turkey is trying to lift the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots and has never spoken of a federation solution to the Cyprus problem but refers to a confederation.
''The answer is simple. The strong party wants to impose its will. The weaker party is refusing to accept the force of power from the strong party and is turning to the international community for support, for justice,'' he added.
President Christofias expressed certainty that ''Cyprus will be justified.''
Replying to questions regarding the talks for a settlement, President Christofias said neither arbitration nor deadlines are acceptable, and noted that the UN are aware of these positions.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat have been engaged in UN-led direct negotiations since September 2008, with an aim to reunite the island.
