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[brother]

Anastasiadis: Greek Cypriots' Rejection In Referendum Does Not Mean An Objection To Solution
Anadolu Agency: 2/9/2005

ISTANBUL - ''I, as a leader who voted yes in referendum (in Cyprus), say that Greek Cypriots' rejection in the referendum does not mean an objection to solution,'' said Nikos Anastasiadis, leader of Greek Cypriot main opposition Democratic Mobilization Party (DISI).

Anastasiadis delivered a speech at Sabanci University in Istanbul on Wednesday.

Anastasiadis said, ''Europe is on the threshold of a transformation. A common Europe house is established. Firstly, the main struggle is to approve European Constitution by all EU member countries. Within that scope, Cyprus, Turkey and Greece have a common struggle on how they can live together.''

''Our visit to Turkey is a reflection of our policy to work together for the solution of problems,'' he noted.

Anastasiadis said, ''in the past, people suffered from incidents which stemmed from violence and mutual hatred, and as long as politicians in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey do not fulfill their responsibilities, next generations will continue to live with separation and lack of harmony.''

''Problems which affect our region are based on past. Only historians can decide about the past. I am sure we can realize a win-win situation together in the future,'' he added.

Anastasiadis said, ''Greek Cypriot side's full membership to the EU did not bring unity. Greek Cypriots' rejection in referendum does not mean objection to solution. Security issues in Annan Plan, like existence of military units in Cyprus, intervention right of third countries and return of migrants, impelled people to vote 'no' in a referendum which was held one week before full membership of Cyprus. Our people have always believed in a federation solution based on bizonal and bicommunal structure.''

Praising efforts of Turkish Cypriots for peace, Anastasiadis said, ''Greek Cypriots welcomed struggle of Turkish Cypriots for peace and against separation.''

Anastasiadis said what they should reach with good will and compromise is new legal arrangements that will answer the concerns of Greek Cypriots and not harm the rights of Turkish Cypriots before they start to negotiate Annan plan again.

Anastasiadis noted, ''triangle of Turkey, Greece and Cyprus can be made an area of cooperation and joint initiative, instead of tension source.''

''We support Turkey's EU membership. It is necessary to exert every type of effort to remove political and historical separation continuing in the island,'' he said.

When asked his views about solution of Cyprus issue, Anastasiadis said, ''solution of problem rapidly is important also for Turkey. We can solve the problem through dialogue and by understanding each other like in the EU. With Turkeys EU membership, we will give a message to those who want a Christian Europe. We well give them the message that different religions and cultures can exist together.''

Upon a question regarding the existence of soldiers in the island, Anastasiadis said, ''I believe we will not need any soldiers in the island one day. A European country does not need soldiers. Bad experiences of the past taught us how to work together.''

[Bananiot]

Anastasiades is mellowing (with age) into a sensible and pragmatic politician. He is following the legacy of Klerides and he is doing so despite a strong nationalist platform in his party. A splinter group has already left the party as a result of its decision to vote for the solution in the recent referendum. Yet, Anastasiades is not thwarted by populist calls and this is the sign of a sensible leader.

[brother]

Any leader who can be for peace is definately someone worth talking about.