Cyprus President Demetris Christofias said here Tuesday that the Greek Cypriot side will defend principles and the right of each citizen to his property during discussions on the issue of property that begin Wednesday, in the framework of direct talks held between him and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, with a view to solve the Cyprus question.
Responding to questions, Christofias said that the Greek Cypriot side proceeds to the talks with the best intentions. He added that “we will defend principles and the right of each citizen to his property and his right to choose how to use his property.”
Christofias expressed certainty that the Turkish Cypriot side will continue to maintain the same stance it has for a long time and that it will seek to secure compensation and exchange of properties.
“I do not want to prejudge anything and I hope that I am not vindicated in this approach and that we shall have a good discussion with mutual understanding. I believe the days to come will not be easy, bearing in mind recent statements by Talat on the property issue which is linked to the right of refugees to return to their homes and the presence of illegal Turkish settlers in occupied Cyprus. However, we are more than ready for the discussion,” the President said.
Invited to comment statements by Turkish Cypriot leader that the Cyprus problem can be solved by June-July this year, Christofias said that making wishes alone cannot solve problems.
“Will and dedication to justice are needed. As left-wing politicians, we should both find a common language, guided by the principles of social and natural justice and our dedication to freedom and the reunification of our country,” he added.
Asked about Turkish actor Attila Olgac’s confession that he killed ten Greek Cypriots during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, Christofias said that the government will take measures and will appeal to all institutions of the international community which can bear fruit on this issue.
The Cypriot government has already decided to raise before the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers Olgac's confession as well as to lodge an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
Olgac told a live TV show in Turkey that during the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus he killed ten Greek Cypriots, one of them a 19-year-old soldier, taken prison of war, who was killed in cold blood. Olgac subsequently retracted his confession, claiming he was actually talking about a film scenario.
