Cyprus-Forum.com

[Lit]

http://www.emg.rs/en/news/world/133396.html

22. September 2010. | 10:06


President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias stated on Monday that things do not fare better than last year as far as progress in the Cyprus problem is concerned.

President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias stated on Monday that things do not fare better than last year as far as progress in the Cyprus problem is concerned.

On Monday, President Christofias hosted a luncheon for the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to brief them about the latest developments in the UN led negotiations for a Cyprus settlement, a process which began in September 2008 between President Christofias and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community.

President Chrisofias told the ambassadors that Turkey's positions and those presented by Dervis Eroglu (Turkish Cypriot leader) at the talks and their refusal to accept his constructive proposal do not leave much room for optimism about the prospect of a solution by the end of the year.

The proposals provide for linking the property issue with the territorial issue, the opening of the Turkish occupied Famagusta port in exchange for opening more EU accession chapters for Turkey and the convening of an international conference once agreement on the internal aspects of the Cyprus question is in sight.

The president said that he reiterated his position on the subject of an international conference on the Cyprus problem that more progress needs to be achieved on the internal aspects of the problem before convening such a meeting, adding that the ambassadors showed understanding on that point and stressed the need to maintain the Cypriot ownership of the talks whilst at the same time accepting the position that no solution should be imposed by outsiders.

"Certain people may have a different opinion as far as Turkey's readiness to see a solution emerge by the end of the year", he pointed out, adding that he has made it clear that Turkey's own actions do not follow up on its rhetoric, which serves only communication purposes and aims to avoid taking real responsibility for its role in the Cyprus problem.

The president also informed them of his wish to have the opportunity to talk face to face with the Turkish leaders, adding that this is not an alternative to the ongoing talks. Talks will continue under the aegis of the UN S.G., he said, noting however that he would like to meet with Turkey's leaders so that he can communicate to them his vision for the solution of the Cyprus problem, which also concerns Turkey and affects its interests.

There is no reason for anyone to object to this request, he said, stressing that a refusal would be unacceptable considering that the Republic of Cyprus is a member of the UN since its establishment, is also a full member of the EU, adding at the same time that a non permanent member of the UN Security Council does not have the right to ignore the Republic of Cyprus.

On Monday President Christofias also met with Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, Illinois State Minister of Finance and US Senate candidate Alexis Giannoulias, and attended a reception hosted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

[humanist]

Lit thank you for the post. I think it is a good thing for President Christofias to continue have meetings with these people indicating his views and Turkeys and TC leadership intransigent attitude.

I cannot fathom that the Garagiozi chosen by the majority of TC's to represent a settlement in Cyprus has put forth such nonsence for solution. At least Talat has some political whim. This shepherd feels he can look after the flock at the same time as calling himself a leader.

[Gasman]

As it seems to be generally agreed that the leader of the 'TRNC' is just a puppet for Turkey - and the RoC refuses to recognise the 'TRNC' what puzzles me is WHY THE PRESIDENT OF THE RoC IS TALKING TO EROGLU AT ALL?

Every word printed and attributed to this Eroglu or his predecessor is put down as total nonsense and not worth listening to.

So my question is - why didn't Christofias and his Govt insist on talking to the PUPPET MASTERS?

We are always reading how this, that or the other must not be allowed for fear it will give some shred of recognition or stamp of approval to the 'TRNC'. Surely his holding talks with their 'leader' for so long does that?

I've asked this question before and had no responses except to tell me to get off the forum (but in a more profane fashion!).

Is it that Turkey refuses to talk to Pres C because they don't recognise him? Or what?

[EricSeans]

As it seems to be generally agreed that the leader of the 'TRNC' is just a puppet for Turkey - and the RoC refuses to recognise the 'TRNC' what puzzles me is WHY THE PRESIDENT OF THE RoC IS TALKING TO EROGLU AT ALL?

Every word printed and attributed to this Eroglu or his predecessor is put down as total nonsense and not worth listening to.

So my question is - why didn't Christofias and his Govt insist on talking to the PUPPET MASTERS?

We are always reading how this, that or the other must not be allowed for fear it will give some shred of recognition or stamp of approval to the 'TRNC'. Surely his holding talks with their 'leader' for so long does that?

I've asked this question before and had no responses except to tell me to get off the forum (but in a more profane fashion!).

Is it that Turkey refuses to talk to Pres C because they don't recognise him? Or what?

It's because Eroglu is the elected leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, IMO.

[Paphitis]

As it seems to be generally agreed that the leader of the 'TRNC' is just a puppet for Turkey - and the RoC refuses to recognise the 'TRNC' what puzzles me is WHY THE PRESIDENT OF THE RoC IS TALKING TO EROGLU AT ALL?

Every word printed and attributed to this Eroglu or his predecessor is put down as total nonsense and not worth listening to.

So my question is - why didn't Christofias and his Govt insist on talking to the PUPPET MASTERS?

We are always reading how this, that or the other must not be allowed for fear it will give some shred of recognition or stamp of approval to the 'TRNC'. Surely his holding talks with their 'leader' for so long does that?

I've asked this question before and had no responses except to tell me to get off the forum (but in a more profane fashion!).

Is it that Turkey refuses to talk to Pres C because they don't recognise him? Or what?

It's because Eroglu is the elected leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, IMO.

Oh Gawd! Gasbag just got done....again!

[Cap]

Christofias: progress in Cyprus problem no better this year

No surprise there.

[Gasman]

I still don't understand why the Pres of the RoC didn't INSIST on speaking to those who they insist pull the strings, make all the decisions, have the final say and not just the 'puppet' of a place they have said doesn't exist and is 'just an illusion'.

And surprised there hasn't been any public protest about him doing so. Much like the protests about the UK Gov talking to Sinn Fein in the past. Or bringing Hamas 'to the table' now.

*If that was getting 'done' by Eric - it was quite painless!

[Paphitis]

I still don't understand why the Pres of the RoC didn't INSIST on speaking to those who they insist pull the strings, make all the decisions, have the final say and not just the 'puppet' of a place they have said doesn't exist and is 'just an illusion'.

And surprised there hasn't been any public protest about him doing so. Much like the protests about the UK Gov talking to Sinn Fein in the past. Or bringing Hamas 'to the table' now.

*If that was getting 'done' by Eric - it was quite painless!

By talking to Eroglu, we are in effect talking with Turkey, which does not recognize the RoC, making direct talks impossible due to Turkey's insistence that the "President of the TRNC" also be present.

Get it Gasbag?

[Get Real!]

I still don't understand why the Pres of the RoC didn't INSIST on speaking to those who they insist pull the strings, make all the decisions, have the final say and not just the 'puppet' of a place they have said doesn't exist and is 'just an illusion'.

And surprised there hasn't been any public protest about him doing so. Much like the protests about the UK Gov talking to Sinn Fein in the past. Or bringing Hamas 'to the table' now.

Well have a guess why Tasos Pappadopoulos repeatedly mentioned this problem and for a long time refused to have anything to do with the “Turkish Cypriot” fools, only to be scorned of being “uncooperative”, and a “hardliner” and all sorts of other crap!

Well look at them all now!

We’re all right back to UN resolutions with two years wasted!

UN RESOLUTION 361 (1974)
http://www.un.int/cyprus/scr353.htm

UN RESOLUTION 541 (1983)
http://www.un.int/cyprus/scr541.htm

UN RESOLUTION 550 (1984)
http://www.un.int/cyprus/scr550.htm

[Lit]

September 29, 2010
Categories: United Nations

http://www.politico.com/blogs/lauraroze ... ml?showall

President: Cyprus solution seems unlikely in 2010

By Zeeshan Aleem

With U.N.-backed negotiations over the reunification of Cyprus at an impasse, a solution may not come before the end of the year, Republic of Cyprus President Demetris Christofias said during a visit this week to Washington.

In an interview with POLITICO, Christofias -- leader of the internationally recognized Greek government of the island -- said that he felt a “lack of goodwill” on the part of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership in negotiating reunification.

The main sticking point in the talks which began in 2008 is over how to resolve property issues left over from the 1974 Turkish invasion that divided the island. Some 35,000 Turkish troops still occupy the northern third in defiance of U.N. resolutions. The region calls itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, but only Turkey recognizes it.

Christofias’s skepticism contrasted with the words of Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, who told Reuters earlier in September that talks right now should be seen as a “last chance,” and that a solution is to be found “by the end of 2010.” United Nations special envoy for Cyprus Alexander Downer also expressed hope Tuesday that a deal could be brokered by the end of the year.

“Eroglu says strange things,” Christofias said when asked about the Turkish Cypriot leader’s concern that Greek Cypriots must “share pain” and make concessions along with Turkish Cypriots in negotiations.

“Eroglu must not speak about concessions, he must speak about reasonable moves in order to meet the needs of the Greek Cypriots -- not only of the Turkish Cypriots. I think a leader who states that he wants a solution in 2010 has to be reasonable, he has to take into account the international law and the human rights of the whole people of Cyprus," he said.

“The property issue is a very difficult one, its very complicated, in fact if we could find common language on this issue, we shall move forward substantively, but he refuses to connect this aspect with territorial adjustments.”

Christofias also said he would like to see Turkish troops leave the island as a gesture of commitment. “If they want to show good will, they could make a move ... they don’t unfortunately.”

There are also some concerns about how the peace process could be affected by Greek Cypriot parliamentary elections and elections in Turkey next year.

“I want to assure you that our elections wouldn’t affect [the peace process], because I am ready if Turkey is to move forward, but I feel that the Turkish elections could be affected,” Chrisiofias told POLITICO.