Cyprus-Forum.com

[humanist]

Republic of Cyprus Independence Day Address - President Demetris Christofias
He called on Turkey to take a decision for further steps and meet its obligations towards the EU, noting that “we are ready for this.”
FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE / PHOTO : CY-STOCK.COM
• Fri, Oct 01, 2010
The President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias has called on Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot community to test the will of the Greek Cypriot side for a Cyprus settlement, pointing out that they will be surprised.
The President said that there are no regrets for making a good will gesture to the Turkish Cypriots by accepting a bizonal bicommunal federation as the solution in Cyprus but warned that he is not prepared to make any concessions to foreigners.
He also said that as far as the people of Cyprus are concerned, he will not relinquish rights and freedoms which European citizens enjoy in their own countries, nor will he accept permanent restrictions of these rights.
President Christofias noted that he envisages a reunited Cyprus where all Cypriots live and work together for the common good of the country.
In his address to the Cypriot people, on the occasion of tomorrow’s 50th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, President Christofias said that Turkey continuously vows that it wants a settlement by the end of this year, unfortunately its actions are far from its public declarations and its behaviour proves that it really is not ready for a settlement.
The President noted that irrespective of difficulties “we are fully ready for a settlement. We reject categorically partition and we are determined to fight against it.”
He called on Turkey to take a decision for further steps and meet its obligations towards the EU, noting that “we are ready for this.”
The President described his recent proposals at the ongoing UN-led peace talks as proof of the Greek Cypriot side’s determination to achieve a settlement the soonest. He said they are balanced and realistic, adding that they provide for benefits and incentives to all interested parties, including Turkey.
“If Turkey accepts them, then the talks with the Turkish Cypriot community will accelerate and the momentum for a settlement will be created,” he added.
President Christofias acknowledged that the negotiations “are not moving forward the way we would like” and that there are problems both with the positions and the approaches of the Turkish Cypriot leadership and Turkey’s policy towards Cyprus and the Cyprus problem.
“We shall insist, as it is our duty to do so, on a settlement based on UN Security Council resolutions, the 1977 and 1979 High Level Agreements, the agreement with the former Turkish Cypriot leader for a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality as provided by the UN for a single state, a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and a single personality. We shall insist until the end because this is the only way the country and our people will be reunited and Turkey’s occupation will end,” he stressed.
President Christofias also said that the settlement of the Cyprus problem requires consistency to principles and showing realism.
“The courageous and historic compromise of a bizonal, bicommunal federation is a good will gesture towards our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, which we do not regret. Nonetheless, we have no intention of making any concessions to foreigners and we have no intention of relinquishing for the people of Cyprus rights and freedoms which European citizens can enjoy in their countries nor are we prepared to be subject to permanent restrictions and prohibitions,” the President stressed.
The President underlined that “we are striving to achieve a just, viable and functional settlement under the circumstances that will end the Turkish occupation and will reunite our country and the people, in the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.”
Referring to the current negotiations for a solution, he said the negotiating process is not proceeding as he would have liked to see it move.
“I cannot hide the fact that we encounter problems with the positions and the approach of the Turkish Cypriot side and with Turkey’s policy on Cyprus,” he acknowledged.
Today, he noted, 50 years after independence, we draw lessons from our recent past but we move on to the future which will be hopeful and bright only if it is common for all of us – Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armeniasn and Latins,” he stressed.
Outlining his vision, the President said he wants to see his homeland reunited and its people working together for the collective good of the country.
“We look forward to a time when it will not matter who we are serving or who is serving us – be they Greek or Turkish in our homeland,” he added.
He called on everyone to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cyprus’ independence and defend the Republic of Cyprus united.
In July, the Cypriot President announced three proposals on the Cyprus issue. The first provides for linking discussions on property with discussion on territory and immigration, in a bid to facilitate the resolution of the thorny chapter of properties and expedite the dialogue.
The second proposal urges Turkey to apply UN Security Council resolution 550, which calls for the transfer of the fenced off area of Varosha, in Famagusta, to the administration of the United Nations. Part of this proposal is the opening of the port of Famagusta under EU auspices to benefit the Turkish Cypriots.
The third proposal is to convene an international conference when within range of an agreement on the internal aspects of the Cyprus problem.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third territory. UN - led talks are currently underway between the leaders of the two communities of Cyprus, President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu to find a negotiated settlement to reunite the country under a federal roof.
— (KYPE)

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[bill cobbett]

When are the next Presidential Elections in CY? ...... and am I the only one looking forward to them??????????????

[CBBB]

When are the next Presidential Elections in CY? ...... and am I the only one looking forward to them??????????????

Unfortunately another 3 years to wait, but we can change the House of Representatives next May.

[kurupetos]

The usual bollocks by the fat commie c*nt.

[humanist]

I support Mr Christofias in everything he said. Am not sure what you guys want him to say. That is all he can say. he has advocated in his speech unity for the Country, one identity, equal rights for all citizens and his proposals have been much more constructive than those by the Turkey and the TC leadership. And if we actually took on board what he has proposed thus far we'll see a faster move to solution than sitting back and doing nothing waiting for the dumb arsed TC's to come up with something beneficial to both communitities

[lola-tulip]

That is a fair and balanced summation of the problem and a generous and honest extending of the hand of friendship for reconciliation. Salutations to the President for showing the way forward.

[humanist]

its more than what the Turks are offering lol


he is at least pushing for unification as opposed to partition and annexation of ones country to another

[CBBB]

Let's make this simple.

The Junta and EOKA-B carried out the coup and put a blood thirsty, TC hating, imbecile, on the throne, thus giving Turkey an excuse (thin as it may have been) to invade? Or perhaps I missed something.

[humanist]

I think it will be a great shame if the TC's don't accept President Christofias' offer about opening Famagusta city and Port. I think it will provide people evidence that the two communities can rebuild their country.