The Cyprus government rejected new statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar on the solution of the Cyprus issue, pointing out that Cyprus is already an EU member state and the provision for the basis of the solution has already been decided.
Director of the Press Office of the President of the Republic, Victoras Papadopoulos was invited on Tuesday to comment on Tatar’s statements about a two-state solution and the participation, in the EU, of the Turkish Cypriot puppet regime in Cyprus’ Turkish occupied areas. He said that these statements on a two-state solution are not new and of course cannot be accepted.
He pointed that Cyprus is a member of the EU and there is a provision for the solution of the Cyprus issue. He noted that if Tatar and the Turkish side return to the negotiating table and a bizonal bicommunal federation solution is found, “based on the discussions we have had so far, with the contribution of the EU, the Turkish Cypriot community will then enjoy all the benefits of the EU.”
Replying to a question about an open letter by the UNSG’s personal envoy María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar and her statement on moving away from solutions that in the past created expectations that were not fulfilled, Papadopoulos indicated that Holguin was clear.
He said that she was referring to the process of the talks and that this process has nothing to do with Tatar’ statements. Papadopoulos said that we must wait for Holguín to hand over her report to the UNSG on Wednesday, adding that in her open letter she stated that she is continuing her efforts.
He also said that the UNSG’s Personal Envoy indicated that she is looking for a sustainable solution for a shared future, adding that Tatar’s statements for a two-state solution have nothing to do with a common future and a sustainable solution in Cyprus.
He also recalled President Nikos Christodoulides’ past statements that he is ready to cooperate constructively, with proposals so that Holguin’s mission is a successful one.
Papadopoulos said that there is
a cordial cooperation with the Greek Government and the Greek Prime Minister, with whom the President has frequent discussions.
He said that the President’s diplomatic efforts are continuous with the aim for the Turkish side to return to the dialogue table for the resumption of the peace talks.
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.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres appointed María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar of Columbia as his personal envoy for Cyprus, to assume a Good Offices role on his behalf and search for common ground on the way forward in the Cyprus issue.
Source: Cyprus News Agency