Speech by Andros Kyprianou, General Secretary of the C.C. of AKEL, on the anniversary of the declaration of the pseudo-state
ORFEAS checkpoint, Nicosia
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 15th November 2016, Nicosia
This year too, for the 33rd year, the Cypriot people condemn the declaration of the pseudo-state in the occupied territories of Cyprus. The declaration on 15th November 1983 by Turkey represented the third episode of the crime committed against Cyprus. The declaration followed the fascist coup d’état and the Turkish invasion of 1974. It was an act that constituted a flagrant violation of International Law and the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.
The decision was taken jointly between Ankara and Rauf Denktash, who made sure that every dissenting voice within the Turkish Cypriot community was silenced through brute force and the issuing of threats. This action was aimed at consolidating the fait accomplis of the occupation. As AKEL had stated back then, it sought to promote “double Enosis” and the transformation of Cyprus into an American and NATO base.
It is worth recalling that the leader of the military junta that seized power in Turkey in 1980, namely General Evren, characterized the existence of the so-called “TRNC” as a necessary factor in the US-Turkey relationship. Attempting to justify the proclamation of the pseudo-state, Evren he that its foundation would prevent the rise of communism in the Turkish Cypriot community and therefore cooperation with the Greek Cypriot communists, a development that, according to Evren, would favour the interests of the Soviet Union. In other words, the declaration of the pseudo-state was an integral part of the NATO Cold War plans for the geopolitical and energy control of the Middle East, the encirclement of the Soviet Union and repression of the Left in each country of our region.
The fact that Turkey’s secessionist act did not gain any support among the international community is due to the resolute stance of the Cypriot people and its political leadership, but also due to the international solidarity primarily demonstrated by the socialist community and the Non-Aligned Movement. The UN Security Council Resolutions, which condemned the pseudo-state and called on all the nations of the world not to recognize another state on the island other than the Republic of Cyprus, represented and to this day still represents the most important protective shield of our statehood.
Unfortunately our statehood was undermined by certain forces and circles through violent means, while others valued it belatedly and hypocritically. It is the very existence of the Republic of Cyprus that repelled Turkey’s long-standing efforts to legitimize the occupation and de facto partition.
This is the reason why AKEL today, as in any event organized to denounce the occupation, holds up high and proudly the flag of Cyprus as the flag of our struggle and not the flag of any other State.
This is the reason why AKEL does not exploit today’s anniversary to organize any feasts of nationalism and in doing so therefore promote and serve partition.
On the contrary, AKEL uses today’s abhorrent anniversary to resolutely declare, from this podium too, that the occupation and partition cannot be the future of our people. Whatever the difficulties and disappointments, the freedom and reunification of Cyprus was, and will remain, AKEL’s primary strategic goal. The freedom and reunification of Cyprus was, and will remain, the objective and vision for the people of Cyprus as a whole.
This year’s meeting to denounce the proclamation of the pseudo-state is taking place as the ongoing negotiations are at an advanced stage and developments on the Cyprus problem are at a critical juncture.
The concern is expressed, others well-intentionally and others used as a pretext, that the solution of the Cyprus problem which might ensue will be a solution violating and deviating from principles; that it will serve Western powers and their plans; that it will convert Cyprus into a Turkish protectorate, or dissolve it into a confederation.
Although the course of the negotiations underway do not so far justify such alarmism and scaremongering, AKEL assures everyone, both within and outside Cyprus, that if the final plan does not restore our country’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity, if it does not fulfill the just aspirations of both communities, AKEL will not support it. Besides AKEL has proved, both in its recent and throughout its long history, that it doesn’t yield to any external pressures, as opposed to other circles and forces who portray themselves as having the monopoly in patriotism and so-called “national-mindedness”.
AKEL doesn’t simply reiterate what it doesn’t accept. Quite the reverse, it puts forth its demands and struggles to realize the vision of reunification. This is our Party’s essential difference that distinguishes it. We not only struggle to prevent any possible unjust plan of a solution or negative provisions, but are at the same time struggling with passion and dedication to reverse the occupation and de facto partition of our country. We are striving to agree on a plan of a solution that will correspond to the just cause and rights of the Cypriot people as a whole.
We all need to realize that the Cypriot people’s struggle is not being waged in a vacuum, nor is it being conducted in ideal conditions for struggling peoples. If the current status quo is not reversed through a solution of the Cyprus problem that will terminate the occupation and reunite Cyprus, then the situation on our island will gradually drift towards the upgrading the pseudo-state, the permanent perpetuation of the partition and, over time, to the final “Turkification” of the northern part of Cyprus. If this were unfortunately to happen, it will be the biggest blow that imperialism will have dealt against Cyprus. It will represent the greatest victory of the occupying power. At the same time the Western power’s energy plans will proceed undisturbed. The only loser will be the people of Cyprus itself.
In addition, we mustn’t also forget all that is taking place inside the occupied areas and the Turkish Cypriot community. The pseudo-state is nothing but the arm of Turkey’s deliberate and consistent policy that aims to consolidate the division of the island. Turkey is subsequently seeking to absorb the occupied areas and the Turkish Cypriot community itself. This policy is being pursued by all means since 1974 at various levels. First and foremost, through the continuing colonization of the occupied areas in order to alter the demographic composition of the island. This policy threatens the very identity and existence of the Turkish Cypriot community, creating additional faits accomplis in relation to aspects of the Cyprus problem. We will constantly be finding these faits accomplis before us.
Secondly, the Turkish army, together with the Turkish Embassy’s mechanisms in the occupied territories, have since 1974 had a catalytic intervention and control over the political life of the Turkish Cypriot community. Besides, the declaration of the pseudo-state itself was a result of the co-decision taken by Rauf Denktash and the Junta of Evren in Turkey. The recent agreement of the so called “government” to set up a “coordination office” of Turkey’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, which a few months ago outraged the Turkish Cypriot youth forcing them to take to the streets, shows that Ankara’s suffocating stranglehold over Turkish Cypriots is increasingly being tightened.
Thirdly, the operation aiming at the cultural and religious alteration of the Turkish Cypriot community’s identity is continuing unabated through the imposition of the Turkish government’s Islamic agenda, which is promoting the teaching of the Koran to young people, establishing theological faculties and financing the building of mosques in order to bring the Turkish Cypriots in line with Erdogan’s religious standards.
Fourthly, the economic absorption of the occupied areas through the far-reaching penetration of Turkish capital in the occupied territories is deepening dramatically. Turkish companies in essence control the construction and tourism sector in the occupied areas, while the vast majority of the so-called universities are owned by Turkish companies. Meanwhile, with the undersea water pipeline to the occupied territories, Turkey gains control of water supply, but also control over the pipeline’s onshore section, while the underground and surface sources are being handed over to private interests. Finally, through the privatizations being imposed, the illegal airport, ports and electricity in the occupied pass are also being passed into the hands of Turkish private capital. The notorious 2016-2018 financial protocol which Ankara is imposing on the Turkish Cypriot community in effect represents a mixture of neoliberalism and promotes the complete marginalization of the Turkish Cypriots.
Can we pretend that we do not see all these faits accomplis being created that will be objectively impossible or extremely difficult to reverse in the future?
Can we not hear the voices of the majority of the Turkish Cypriots who are stressing at all levels that the reserves of resistance to Turkey’s policy of absorbing/assimilating them is not infinite and that only the solution of the Cyprus problem as soon as possible, will avert the danger of the “Turkification” of half of the island?
Don’t those who are comfortable with the status-quo and the dogma arguing “better half of Cyprus, but pure Greek” understand that in doing so they serve all that they are cursing?
If we describe so clearly and vividly the conditions in which the current effort is being conducted for a solution of the Cyprus problem, we do not do so to imply that we have to sacrifice the content of the solution for the sake of our desire to see a solution. In any case, AKEL has never adopted the rhetoric arguing that “this is the last chance for the solution of the Cyprus problem” which in effect undermines the quality of the solution and traps our side through its own actions.
We do not belong neither to the school of thought of those circles and forces who accept any solution regardless of its content, nor to those who reject any solution.
We do not belong to those who, even before there is a solution and plan before they even read what it contains, have predetermined their own “Yes” and “No” vote to it.
It is useful to recall, especially in the period we are going through, that both the rejectionist and submissive/subservient lines, besides the fact that they are both in essence unsubstantiated, are also from the standpoint of negotiating tactics self-destructive. We are – and we want to be – together with the overwhelming majority of the Cypriot people who fully comprehend the critical nature of the situation.
We are with those who are wiser as a result of the lessons drawn and refutations of the past.
We are with all those who defend unnegotiable positions of principles and who have legitimate concerns.
With those who hope and are struggling honestly for a solution and reunification.
That’s why AKEL supported and supports the negotiation procedure.
That is why we insisted from the very beginning on the need to reaffirm the Christofias-Talat convergences.
As a result of AKEL’s strong position we have forced any idea of NATO involvement in the solution to be abandoned. We tabled and are submitting creative proposals for provisions of the solution and utilize our ties with the Turkish Cypriot community and our international relations to contribute towards a solution based on principles.
AKEL is struggling for a just, functional and viable solution that will terminate the occupation, which will restore the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus.
For a solution that will further shield and protect it with the explicit prohibition of any secession.
For a solution that will free Cyprus from any guarantors, foreign “guardians” and motherlands.
For a solution without the involvement of NATO and its mechanisms.
For a solution that will provide for the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation troops and the demilitarization of Cyprus; terminate the crime of colonization and restore the demographic structure and population ratio between the two communities.
For a solution that will reunite the territory, the people, the institutions and the economy of Cyprus.
For a solution providing for the transformation of the Republic of Cyprus from a unitary state to a bicommunal, bizonal federation with a single sovereignty, a single citizenship, a single international personality and with political equality as described in the relevant UN Resolutions.
For a solution that will restore and safeguard the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all its people, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins, including the right of return and property of the refugees.
This is the solution that will eliminate the crime of 1974, but also of 1983 that was committed against Cyprus.
This is the solution that will uphold, keep alive and rebuild the Republic of Cyprus, the common home of all Cypriots.
This is the future Cyprus and its people are entitled to and deserve.
AKEL reiterates, from this podium too, that it will not accept any compromise with the occupation, partition and NATO. However, we are ready to accept an honorable compromise between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
This is the policy that can open up the perspective and hope to heal the wounds and for a future of peace to dawn in our country.
A future where Nicosia will again become one.
Famagusta will again come alive.
A future where Greek will again be heard in the neighborhoods of Kyrenia.
A future where Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos will again live with the Turkish Cypriots in their embrace.
A future where the Pentadaktylos mountain range will be covered with the flag of Cyprus.
A future where the barbed wires of division, the tanks and banners of chauvinism will forever be kept in museums.
A future where the history of the common class struggles waged on the island, which were violently interrupted and drowned in bloodshed – will resume again; a history written with the red ink on the Left and with the working people united.
We invite all Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots who love this country, to join us in the struggle for this future, to tear down the walls of the occupation and roadblocks, for our Cyprus and unflinching people to be victorious!
