The national problem needs more serious and responsible handling
Statement of Aristos Damianou, Head of Legal Affairs Department of the C.C. and AKEL MP
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 22nd November 2014, Nicosia
The gravity of the situation demands the serious and responsible handling of our national problem. Turkey’s illegal actions in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus, the lukewarm and indifferent reaction of the international community, with some exceptions, the vague statements made by foreign officials, but in particular, Turkey’s efforts to put energy issues on the negotiating table, call for collective handling and determination on the part of President of the Republic.
Unfortunately, President Anastasiades is trying to keep balances, which in effect are leading to regressions. Our objectives should focus on three axes:
- Intensifying our efforts to repulse Turkey’s illegal actions, through the exertion of pressure by the international community.
- Continuous reaffirmation of our will to return to the table of the talks as soon as possible provided that the illegal action is lifted.
- The clarification of the long-standing correct political position that the underwater wealth of the Republic of Cyprus belongs to the people of Cyprus as a whole and that rightly the Turkish Cypriot community, within the framework of the solution, can benefit.
President Anastasiades must bring back and strongly support the two convergences that were agreed on energy issues and the distribution of the federal revenues. Otherwise, the UN representatives, but also Turkey, will consider that our side is receptive to pressures and that Turkey could possibly secure exchanges, as a result of its illegal activities in the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus.
As AKEL, we submitted our proposals and views during the recent meeting of the party leaders with the President of the Republic. We firmly believe that the arrogant statements and empty slogans do not strengthen the efforts to normalize the situation – on the contrary, they add to the confusion and anxiety among the people and provide a pretext for Turkey to remain without any consequences.
