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The President of the Republic departed for Brussels

The President of the Republic departed for BrusselsThe President of the Republic stated yesterday that Cyprus has no objection to a re-negotiation of the decision of the European Union Foreign Ministers Council, in the event that Turkey submits, in writing, its proposal on the opening of a port and airport to the Republic of Cyprus. In statements at Larnaca airport before his departure for Brussels, where he will participate at the European Union Summit, President Papadopoulos noted that if the Turkish proposal is submitted in writing, then the Republic of Cyprus will submit its own demands, which were not accepted by the General Affairs Council. Invited to comment on statements by the Finnish and the Germans on the issue of direct trade with the Turkish Cypriots, he said: “The conclusions’ document states that early next January, work will begin to complete the European Commission’s decision regarding the handling of Cypriot goods that come from areas of the Republic of Cyprus which are not controlled today by the Cyprus Government. Our effort to show that direct trade does not constitute an embargo or a blockade of the Turkish Cypriots, because its contribution will be insignificant bearing in mind the volume of the production in the occupied areas, was to convince that the Green Line Regulation provides the facility to Turkish Cypriots, if they really consider themselves under an embargo for exporting their goods and enjoying the European Custom’s favourable treatment, to export their goods through the lawful ports of the Republic. Already from the beginning of November, when the Finnish proposal was in process regarding the opening of the port of Famagusta and of Varosha, the Cyprus Government submitted proposals and discussed with the Finnish Presidency ways of promoting direct trade, either from Famagusta in exchange for the return of Varosha, or from other Cyprus ports in the free areas. These issues had proceeded to a great degree. This is what the German statement refers to.” - 14.12.2006