Declaration of the 22nd Congress of AKEL on the Cyprus Problem

 

Compatriots,

Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins,

The 22^nd Congress of AKEL, which convened in Nicosia 4-7^th June 2015, addresses to all a warm and militant greeting of friendship, cooperation and common struggle for a solution of the Cyprus problem based on the resolutions of the United Nations and the High-Level Agreements.

1. After a long period of stagnation, which in reality dates back to April 2013, the Cyprus problem is again witnessing a period of mobility. The assumption by Mustafa Akinci of the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community has rekindled the hope and a cautious optimism. The end judge on all matters will be the negotiating table.
2. Turkey has the greatest responsibility for a solution of the Cyprus problem, given that it is the one maintaining occupation troops on the island. It is imperative that Ankara changes radically its stand and cooperates constructively in the direction of the solution of the Cyprus problem, as set out in the UN resolutions concerning Cyprus and the High-Level Agreements.
3. In these new and hopeful conditions that are being created, we are all called upon to focus on the goal of a mutually acceptable, viable and workable solution that will be based on International and European Law, the relevant UN resolutions and the High-Level Agreements.
4. AKEL, without any syndrome of self-vindication and far from any petty-party expediencies and revanchist dispositions, will support with responsibility the negotiating procedure which is the only available way for a solution of the Cyprus problem. We will work with persistence and seriousness for the broadest possible unity of the people and we call on the rest of the political forces to do the same.
5. The agreed basis of the solution is the single state, with a single sovereignty, a single international personality and a single citizen ship within a state structure of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality, as this is set out in the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council.
6. The negotiation procedure must not begin from scratch but be based on all that has been agreed at the negotiations through time and the significant convergences that have been achieved between Christofias-Talat and brought three out of six chapters of the Cyprus problem within range of agreement.
7. We are seeking a mutually acceptable compromise that will meet the well-intentioned concerns of both communities, respect both the individual and communal rights and will safeguard a bright future for the country and people; a future of progressive growth and democratic modernization, prosperity, peaceful co-existence and perspective that will serve first and foremost the interests of all Cypriots.
8. Taking into account the continuous flow of settlers to the island, the speediest as possible solution of the Cyprus problem affects the very existence and continuation of the identity of the Turkish Cypriot community itself.
9. The promotion of confidence building measures that will not deviate from the goal of an overall solution and will not be lengthy and doubtful of a conclusion but that can be implemented quickly and effectively, constitutes a step in the correct direction. Such measures can create a more favourable environment for the successful outcome of the negotiation procedure, so that the vision of the reunification of the country and people this time is made feasible.
10. The new favourable coincidence imposes on the progressive, peace-loving forces in both communities to cooperate even closer for rapprochement. AKEL remains fully committed to the timeless policy of rapprochement and common struggle of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots for a solution of the Cyprus problem that will lead to a peaceful and hopeful future for all Cypriots.
11. The progressive forces in both communities must:
12. Remain consistent to the principles and agreed framework of the solution.
13. Intensify the struggle against nationalism chauvinism that have been cultivated and exploited by external forces, provoking an unspeakable tragedy to the country and people as a whole.
14. Utilise the new coincidence that has been created by the assumption by Akinci of the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community, in combination with the resumption of the negotiation procedure. The confidence building measures and bi-communal cooperation should be enhanced.
15. Their role in the development of common initiatives must be upgraded even more that will be based mainly on the peoples movement and on mobilizations of agencies and organizations that directly express the popular grass roots.
16. AKEL, based on its long-standing militant, democratic and patriotic historical course, reassures all Cypriots that it will continue to respond to the aspirations and interests of our workers and people. We will continue uncompromisingly and tirelessly the struggle against the partitionist status quo and always hold high the banner of the friendship, cooperation and common struggle for a free and reunified Cyprus, the common homeland of all its citizens.