The plans of Erdogan-Tatar to reverse the basis of the solution of the Cyprus problem should be annulled

 

20 September 2023, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

The positions expressed by the leader of the occupying power, Tayyip Erdogan at the General Assembly of the UN on the Cyprus problem are severely undermining the efforts for a resumption of the negotiations and the longest and most dangerous impasse for the security of our homeland.

The President of the Republic of Cyprus correctly conveyed the message to T. Erdoğan from the floor of the UN General Assembly that there will never be any other basis for a solution to the Cyprus problem than the one set out in the Resolutions of the UN. He also correctly highlighted the Cyprus Problem and the consequences of the occupation, colonisation and division, but also the illegal actions of the occupying power in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus, in Famagusta and Pyla. We also share the positive messages of peace and cooperation sent from the podium of the UN General Assembly to our Turkish Cypriot compatriots and the call to Turkey to cooperate for a solution on the agreed basis and framework.

At the same time, AKEL considers that the President should not engage in general references, but should be more specific on certain critical issues. There should have been an explicit reference in his speech to the Guterres Framework, which is crucial for a solution to the Cyprus problem based on principles that frees the country from the occupation and Turkey’s guarantee rights over our homeland. Tangible and concrete proposals could also have been included as regards the incentives and benefits that all sides will enjoy from the solution and reunification.

In any case, AKEL stresses that at this precise moment we must all focus on trying to annul the plans of Erdogan-Tatar to reverse the basis of the solution of the Cyprus problem and their demand for a two state solution and sovereign equality.

For AKEL, the most appropriate way to do this, which by the way also enjoys the support of the international community, is to resume the talks from the point where they were interrupted at Crans Montana and on the basis of the Guterres Framework.