The Greek Cypriot side will not deviate from its firm commitment to solving the Cyprus problem based on the UN Security Council resolutions and the principles and values of the EU nor will it follow Ankara into a game of sensationalism, Minister of Defence Charalambos Petrides said on Sunday.
In his speech at a memorial in Limnatis village in the Limassol district, Petrides also said, “we declare that we are ready to conduct a sincere and honest dialogue, with the aim of reaching a just and functional solution, which will reunite our homeland and offer the possibility of coexistence and cooperation.”
The Defence Minister said that the rapprochement initiatives of the Greek Cypriot side for the recommencement of the dialogue were “systematically undermined” by Ankara with extreme statements, in a game of sensationalism, faits accomplis “and promoting the neo-Ottoman vision, which it seeks to impose on the Hellenic area and the wider region of the eastern Mediterranean.”
He said that the Republic of Cyprus, through the strong networks of alliances and partnerships it has developed in the regional and international geopolitical scene, relying on international law and using all available diplomatic means, raises “a shield of protection” against Ankara’s tactics. The Minister said Nicosia will continue to move in this direction as long as the Turkish provocations continue.
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: Cyprus News Agency