Cyprus Talks: We will respond positively to a possible UN attempt to identify the intentions of all sides - Anastasiades
Speaking during an anti-occupation event organised by Morphou municipality on Sunday, Anastasiades reaffirmed that he will continue to make every effort for Cyprus’ reunification, noting that Morphou must be part of a settlement.
He underlined that a Cyprus settlement must be just, viable and functional and should reunite the country.
He noted that the Guterres` framework reflects the intense efforts which the Greek Cypriot side has made, adding that for the first time the UN Secretary General has acknowledged that a normal state cannot function under a system of guarantees, especially with regard to the issues of security and the occupation army.
Furthermore, he said that for the first time the Secretary General expressed the position that the map to be submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side must include Morphou and that territorial adjustments should aim to the return of the majority of displaced persons to their homes, under Greek Cypriot administration.
Moreover, Anastasiades said that a settlement must be fully compatible with Cyprus’ EU membership and the best practices of democratic states members of the UN.
He underlined that everyone must realise that Turkey continues to be intransigent and insists to the continuation of guarantees, the permanent presence of the Turkish army on the island and for the Turkish citizens to have the same rights as European citizens after a settlement.
Anastasiades moreover noted that a settlement will not be effective, functional and viable if Turkish Cypriots insist on having at least one positive vote for every decision taken at the central government level, stressing that it is inconceivable to accept anything which is against any democratic principle.
He said that the demand of the Turkish Cypriot side to determine the decisions of the community which constitutes the majority will lead to a settlement which will be doomed to collapse and that will not be accepted by the political leadership or the people.
Anastasiades also recalled that the Greek Cypriot community has accepted the political equality as provided in the UN resolutions.
He also said that he submitted to the National Council suggestions on initiatives – as food for thought – which may be undertaken with a view to overcome the deadlock to efforts for a Cyprus settlement.
He stressed that the aim is not to abandon the bizonal, bicommunal federation and to promote a confederation or a two-state solution, but to achieve a functional state which the Greek Cypriots can accept.
Anastasiades noted that on the contrary the Turkish side is in favour of a solution providing for a confederation and two states, adding that the proposals submitted by the Greek Cypriot side are fully compatible with the international law and the EU acquis.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
source: CNA
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