The abandonment of the Guterres framework facilitates Turkey’s plans

Article by Neoklis Sylikiotis, AKEL Political Bureau member and AKEL MEP

29 October 2018, “HARAVGI” newspaper

The stagnation in which the Cyprus problem is in is facilitating Turkish plans. This unfortunately is the result of the Anastasiades-DISY government’s failure to convince of Turkey’s responsibility for the breakdown at Crans Montana, but also of the Greek Cypriot side’s readiness for negotiations to resume again. Regrettably, despite the fact that so many months have gone by and despite the consultations conducted by the UN Special Envoy on Cyprus Mrs. Lutte the UN Secretary-General hasn’t been convinced that preconditions exist for a continuation of the negotiations.

The recent report tabled by the UN Secretary-General highlights some important things. He points out that although 15 months have passed since the collapse at Crans Montana, there has been no progress registered. He notes that we must proceed on the basis of the Guterres Framework, even if other ideas will be put on the table for discussion. He also underlines that time is running out and that everyone must realize this – first and foremost the two leaders themselves.

Of particular concern are the Secretary-General’s references on the natural gas issue which should be the subject of particular reflection; references which indicate that without a solution of the Cyprus problem we will be confronted with enormous difficulties. More specifically, the UN Secretary-General points out that these difficulties harbor dangers, especially from the moment that drillings will commence in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Cyprus. In addition, he makes it clear that our country’s natural resources belong to all its inhabitants, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, and that careful handlings must be made so that hydrocarbons should be an incentive for the solution of the Cyprus problem and not an obstacle.

Unfortunately, the Anastasiades-DISY Government’s handlings, particularly on energy, not only do not help to make our energy wealth a catalyst for the solution of the Cyprus problem, but on the contrary they facilitate the provocative and illegal actions of Turkey, which is constantly seeking tensions in Cyprus’ EEZ, violating the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus.

The government’s handling together with the dangerous statements made by President Anastasiades for a loose and decentralized federation help Turkey to put on the table alternative ideas and plan B’s, leading either to a confederation or to a two states solution.

After months of denial, the Government spokesman Mr. Prodromou admitted that the President of the Republic is discussing with two foreign leaders the “solution” of two states. That is to say, instead of the President defending the principles of the solution that the Greek Cypriot side has been seeking for the past 44 years, he is referring to a loose federation and submitting ideas outside the parameters of the United Nations that are annulling the Guterres framework. All he is therefore succeeding in doing is to facilitate Turkey’s plans, to generate disruption in society and a great deal of reflection on what the Anastasiades-DISY government’s real intentions are, while also giving Turkish Foreign Minister Mr. Cavusoglou the right today to call on the Greek Cypriot side to clarify what solution it wants, a federation, a confederation or two states, and why the Greek Cypriot side does not want negotiations until May. Why doesn’t the Anastasiades-DISY government clarify all these issues by issuing a public statement on the matter?

As AKEL, we warn that any demand to the UN Secretary-General for a change of strategy or the basis of the solution, will lead to the final partition with responsibilities apportioned on the Greek Cypriot side as well. The Republic of Cyprus will then be called upon to pay a heavy price, with negative implications on various issues, including energy issues.

It is clear that time is running out. Only the resumption of substantive negotiations will remove the dangers. We therefore call on the two leaders to assume their responsibilities towards our country and people, by demonstrating the political will to overcome any problems and resume substantive negotiations immediately. The talks must continue from where they had remained at Crans Montana, on the basis of the Guterres framework, maintaining all the convergences that have been achieved.

As AKEL, we will continue to struggle for a solution within the framework of a Bizonal, Bicommunal Federation with a single sovereignty, a single international personality and a single citizenship. A few days ago political parties, trade unions, NGO’s and other organizations, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots together, took part in a Peace and Reunification meeting, sending out a joint powerful message to the two leaders calling for the immediate resumption of talks and a positive conclusion of the negotiations.

As AKEL, we will continue to be present at the mass events organized by Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. We will continue to support the peace procedure until its final outcome for the lifting of the occupation and the reunification of Cyprus and our people.