The strongest message, yet, from President Christofias regarding being pushed and bullied into time-frames for solution seeking.
Stop giving us ultimatums!
Christofias: No mediation or strict timeframes in Cyprus
FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE 02.OCT.09
President Christofias has sent a message in every direction, including the UN Secretariat that he will not accept mediation and strict timeframes in the direct negotiation process underway, for a solution of the Cyprus problem.
“I will not accept, under any circumstances, mediation and strict timeframes. And this message goes to every direction, including the UN Secretariat”, President Christofias has said, speaking after the military parade in Nicosia to honour the 49th anniversary of the nation’s independence.
Invited to comment a statement made by Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, that the delay in the Cypriot owned process opens a window for mediation, President Christofias said that it is up to Talat not to delay the process.
President Christofias stressed that “if Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side are in a hurry to solve the Cyprus problem due to natural timeframes, they should show the necessary understanding, change their stance and submit positions that fall within the framework of the UN relevant resolutions and the High Level Agreements between the two communities in Cyprus”.
“They should also respect the international conventions on human rights, be in line with the European acquis as well as to respect the principles and values of the European Union”, he added.
President Christofias stressed that the Greek Cypriot side does not protract the direct negotiations’ process. “Our intention is to find a solution the soonest, but we cannot violate fundamental principles”, he added.
President Christofias congratulated all National Guard units that participated in the parade and pointed out that the National Guard plays an important role in preserving the peace, independence and integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.
President Christofias also congratulated the people of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Latins and Armenians, because as he stressed, “the Republic of Cyprus is an achievement of all the people of Cyprus”.
In addition, he underlined the need for adopting reasonable positions in the talks, and for respecting the High Level Agreements in order to achieve as soon as possible, a viable, functional solution of the Cyprus problem.
Christofias wished that during the second round of negotiations the two leaders will achieve the target of reunifying the island, under a bi-communal, bi-zonal federal roof.
Famagusta Gazette 2009