Joint statement of AKEL and the BKP (United Cyprus Party) on the ongoing developments in the Cyprus Problem

 

8/12/2014, Nicosia

 

AKEL and BKP (United Cyprus Party) express their deep concern about the current critical developments surrounding the Cyprus problem and call on the Cypriot people to a common struggle to overcome the deadlock and move forward in order to fulfil our shared vision for peace, freedom and reunification through an overall solution to the Cyprus problem.

The two Parties remind that whenever Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots were being swayed by nationalism, and by doing so supporting the interests of foreign countries rather than those of Cyprus and its people, the result was disastrous for the people of both communities. In this context, we call on the two communities to intensify bicommunal dialogue and contacts, hence sending out a message of common struggle and coexistence. This is a patriotic stand, especially in this context.

Furthermore, the two parties:

– Urge Turkey to withdraw the NAVTEX and its ships so that the negotiations can resume immediately.

– Believe that this issue must be resolved within the framework of the convergences agreed between Christofias-Talat and Christofias-Eroglu on the maritime zones, natural resources and distribution of federal revenues. The convergences in their entirety should constitute the basis for continuing the negotiations from where they had left off.

– Reiterate that the continuing division of Cyprus is unacceptable for both communities. The current status quo threatens the prosperity, peace and the existence of both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots.

– Reaffirm their readiness to work for the rebuilding of the trust and common understanding between the two communities by promoting bicommunal dialogue and contacts at various levels.

The two Parties will continue the dialogue and cooperation in the interests of the people of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.