7 points on developments on the Cyprus problem – Statement by the Political Bureau of the C.C. of AKEL

 

23 July 2021, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

At its meeting today, the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of AKEL discussed, among other things, the latest developments surrounding the Cyprus problem and came to the following conclusions:

1. The announcements by Erdogan and Tatar on the enclosed area of Famagusta, which have already begun to be implemented, constitute a flagrant violation of the Resolutions of the UN Security Council and severely damage the prospects for a solution of the Cyprus problem and the reunification of our homeland. The same also applies to their insistence on the demand for a two state solution of the Cyprus problem and the definitive partition of our country, which is unacceptable and is in conflict with the agreed framework for a solution to the Cyprus problem.
2. The announcements by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership must be strongly and effectively denounced by the international community. AKEL will continue to take initiatives and assist, with all its forces and by making use of its international relations, our country’s representations in this direction. We point out, however, that the experience of recent years in particular must make us wiser as regards the geopolitical interests that provoke difficulties in the manifestation of practical international reactions to the Turkish actions. These difficulties are intensified by President Anastasiades’ backtracking which have undermined the Greek Cypriot side’s credibility internationally.
3. AKEL calls on everyone to realise that the definitive partition of our homeland is more visible than ever and new fait accompli will accumulate to the detriment of our people in line with this course of developments. It reiterates that the current dangerous course of events can only be halted and reversed by the resumption of substantive negotiations on the Cyprus problem, on the agreed basis and framework, from the point where they were interrupted in 2017 at Crans Montana. This is precisely what the Secretary General of the UN too has been suggesting for 4 years now.
4. We again call on President Anastasiades to take decisive initiatives towards the resumption of talks for a solution of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality as set out in the Resolutions of the UN Security Council. The President should reaffirm in a convincing, active and clear manner the Greek Cypriot community’s commitment to the convergences that have been recorded on political equality and the sharing of the revenues from natural gas, so as to remove any pretext for the Turkish side. He should submit proposals to make natural gas an incentive for a solution. AKEL has submitted a written proposal to President Anastasiades for some months now, which he has chosen to discredit and distort, without offering any alternative option.
5. AKEL will never compromise with the occupation-partitionist status quo and the idea of a two state solution. It rejects various dangerous and novel ideas that are being circulated about finding a middle distance between the agreed framework for a solution and the unacceptable partitionist Turkish demands. The nightmare scenario of the final partition of our island will mean a new cycle of tension and permanent insecurity for our country and people. Only the liberation and reunification of our island, with a solution of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality as defined in the Resolutions of the UN Security Council, can guarantee peace and security for our people and future generations.
6. We welcome the stand taken by the progressive forces of the Turkish Cypriot community who are resisting the plans of Erdogan-Tatar, the Turkish government’s control over their community and the partition of the island. More than ever before, now is the time for joint action with these forces to save our common homeland from permanent partition. AKEL will continue and intensify its initiatives in this direction in the period ahead.
7. We address an appeal for vigilance and mobilisation of the entire Cypriot people, in view of the dramatic and dangerous moments our country is going through. To resist the disappointment, despair and abandonment of the vision for a solution and the reunification of Cyprus. AKEL addresses a message of unity based on principles and goals. A message of unyielding struggle for the liberation and reunification of our homeland. For a free, independent and united Cyprus, a homeland for all its children.