President of the House of Representatives and President of the Democratic Party (DIKO) Marios Garoyian believes the Greek Cypriot side should move in a preemptive manner so that, in the event efforts to reach a settlement of the Cyprus problem fail, it is clear which side is responsible, and furthermore prevent efforts to upgrade the puppet regime in the Turkish occupied areas of the Republic.
In an interview with CNA, Garoyian referred to a ''plan B'' proposed by DIKO to the National Council, the top advisory body to the President of the Republic on the Cyprus problem. According to Garoyian, ''plan B'' contains measures to make sure it is clear to the world that the Greek Cypriot side made every possible effort to reach a settlement of the Cyprus problem.
''Despite the earnest efforts of our side and the President of the Republic, so far there is no proof that Turkey has abandoned its well known intransigent and implacable stance. Of course, it is too soon to assess and prejudge the course of events. However, with the facts we have today, it appears that the Turkish side is not behaving or giving prospects or possibilities for results in this dialogue. Hopefully things will change. When we say we want a solution of the Cyprus problem that will be functional, viable and just, the soonest possible, we mean it and all our proposals, approaches and behaviour comply with what we say,'' Garoyian pointed out.
He noted that the good will of the Greek Cypriot side was not enough to reach a settlement and that the international community should exert pressure on Turkey to comply with UN resolutions, international law and the EU principles and values.
Garoyian said that, after the February 2008 presidential elections, won by Demetris Christofias, certain decision-making centres are impressed by the President's initiatives and believe some of the positions expressed by the Turkish side are worse than those presented before 2004.
He pointed out that with the election of Demetris Christofias, ''a good impression has been made'' but noted that this did not mean that previous leaders had not done their utmost to reach a settlement.
''Indeed, despite our initiatives, despite the efforts of President Christofias, it is clear that the Turkish side has not budged from its positions and has not made any move forward. On the contrary, some of its positions are worse than those presented before 2004. Therefore, the problem is not our side. The problem is the Turkish side,'' he said.
Referring to ''plan B'', Garoyian said DIKO prepared and presented the plan to the National Council because ''we assessed the possible Turkish policy, which does not leave room for Mr. Talat, even if he wanted to, to make specific moves in substantive matters.''
President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat began direct negotiations on September 3 in an effort to reach a settlement.
Garoyian explained that DIKO proposed ''plan B'' in order to ''preemptively inform the international community on the various phases of the Cyprus problem, so that it could judge whether our side's proposals complied with international law, UN resolutions and the EU principles and values, and if the Turkish proposals complied with them.''
He said DIKO maintains its position that the basis of a settlement has not been clarified but still insists on a solution through negotiations. ''We want a functional and viable solution of the Cyprus problem and not a wishy washy closure,'' Garoyian pointed out.
''If the dialogue collapses or things do not work out in the right direction, we must have carried out all the necessary work so that Turkey feels the burden of its own breach of faith and its own implacable stance, the pseudo state is not upgraded and at the same time our side has the outside testimony that it did everything humanly possible on the basis of principles, on the basis of functional proposals, on the basis of the reunification of the institutions, the people and Cyprus,'' he said.
He added that ''at the same time it must be clear that this process did not bear fruit due to the Turkish stance and behaviour.''
Garoyian noted that the key for a settlement is in Ankara and that pressure must be exerted on Turkey to comply with the principles of a Cyprus settlement.
Referring to the EU role in efforts to reach a settlement, Garoyian said a solution is being sought in the context of the UN but since the Republic of Cyprus is an EU member and Turkey is aspiring to join the bloc, the role of the EU should be ''creative and substantive,'' on the basis of EU principles and values.
''This is why we believe the EU has a role to play,'' Garoyian said, adding that the result of the negotiations should comply with EU principles.
Regarding parliamentary diplomacy, Garoyian said he is planning a series of trips abroad, including the USA, Russia, China, Armenia, Albania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Moldavia, and African, Central Asia and Arab countries, and pointed out the need for planning so that the House may contribute to further strengthening the positions of the Greek Cypriot side.
''Parliamentary diplomacy is a necessity today. The parliaments in many countries are playing a very important role and indeed many parliaments influence the decisions of their governments. We believe that our parliament has the responsibility, the obligation, the duty to do everything humanly possible on the basis of planning, on the basis of a well prepared programme, so that we can contribute to the efforts of the Government and promote the positions of our side and at the same time open some roads, which we believe may be in the interests of our cause,'' he said.
Garoyian noted that efforts were being made so that House committees had more contacts abroad and memorandums were signed.
On the role of DIKO, which supported Demetris Christofias in the second round of the presidential elections, Garoyian said ''we will continue to be creative and substantive,'' adding that ''it is a sincere and honorable relationship.''
Regarding the European Parliament elections of March 2009, Garoyian said the party would be taking its final decisions when the time comes.
''The issue of cooperation is always open. We are a party that wants and pursues an open dialogue, an open discussion with all sides that feel and believe they belong to the centre. DIKO will take its final decisions when the specific time comes,'' he added.
