The approaches arguing for a change in the strategy on the Cyprus problem have never helped
Statement by Stefanos Stephanou, AKEL C.C. Spokesperson
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 13th December 2016, Nicosia
The approaches arguing for a change in the strategy pursued have never helped the Cyprus problem, nor have the various versions of the policy of “protaxis”, that is the policy of putting preconditions that predetermine the result of negotiations, which are again appearing today as supposedly novel ideas.
Such policies have been tested in the past and have failed, because they led to deadlocks, to the blame being apportioned to the Greek Cypriot side and to new fait accomplis, as was the case in 1983 with the declaration of the pseudo-state or in 1997, when the Turkish side changed its official position by supporting confederation.
This history lesson is still relevant today as well. Today we observe various circles and figures arrogantly and paternalistically giving us “advise” on various issues, suggesting that we should either terminate the negotiation procedure, or underestimate the dangers that exist; dangers stemming from partition, from a non- solution and a bad solution of the Cyprus problem or as we heard just recently, that we should underestimate the danger of the annexation of the occupied territories by Turkey.
The Cyprus problem will be solved through negotiations. Before us is a procedure that has been agreed by the President of the Republic. It is the President’s responsibility to properly manage the procedure so as on the one hand to exploit the possibilities it provides and on the other, to address the dangers that exist. The President of the Republic must handle the issues with consistency to the principles of the solution of the Cyprus problem and on the other to demonstrate the necessary pragmatism. This crucially important responsibility is his.
AKEL will continue in a serious and responsible manner to support the negotiating effort, with the hope that this time a solution will be achieved that will put an end to the occupation and reunite Cyprus and our people.
