Papadopoulos says he wants reunification

The main aim of the Republic of Cyprus is the solution of the Cyprus problem that would lead to the real reunification of the island, in terms of geography, society, economy and institutions, Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos said on Monday in the Czech Republic.

President Papadopoulos is in Prague on an official visit. He also said that Turkey has to sign and put into force the Ankara Protocol extending its Customs Union with all new European Union member states.

“Turkey has very clear obligations towards the EU and the member states, which should be fulfilled in full. Signing and implementing this Protocol is a barometer for the political will of Turkey to fulfill its obligations towards the EU,” he said.

President Papadopoulos said that a viable and functional solution should be found, on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, that would make Cyprus independent from the influence of foreign powers and would restore the territorial integrity of the island without any foreign armies or guarantors.

“We want a solution based on the international law, the UN resolutions, a solution compatible with the European acquis communautaire, which would take into consideration that the Republic of Cyprus is a full EU member state,” he said.