The talks are at a decisive point – by Toumazos Tsielepis, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C. of AKEL, Head of the Department on the Cyprus problem of the C.C. of AKEL

 

1st April 2014

The conclusion of the Joint Communique allowed the resumption of the negotiating process which is the only available way for the solution of the internal aspects of the Cyprus problem. Many discussions and opinions on the content of the Communique have taken place. However, we are already on the day after and an inward-looking approach is of no use. Attention should now be focused on the new effort which is just beginning. Our wish and objective is that this time we arrive at a solution that leads to liberation and reunification, because the partitionist status quo is unacceptable and dangerous.

At this stage we are in the process of ascertaining the respective positions. We believe that there was a better way for the process to move forward, given that it was to be totally expected that the methodology followed inevitably leads, at least initially, to a widening of the gap between the positions of the two sides. The procedure should have progressed from where it was left, as it is indeed provided for in the Joint Communique.

This stage will soon be completed and substantive negotiations are subsequently expected to begin. Quite a lot of experience has been accumulated in the efforts to conclude the Joint Declaration and ascertain both side’s positions; an experience which must be used to avoid wrong moves. Negotiations cannot and must not start from scratch. This would give the Turkish Cypriot side the opportunity to permanently rid itself from the agreed convergences and therefore put forth unacceptable positions on the negotiating table. In this case, we would be led to an endless negotiation with the danger of either an attempt being made to impose a solution by external forces or to conclude more adverse settlements for the Greek Cypriot side.

The most simple, safe and effective way to move the negotiation process forward would be to use the document on the convergences 2008 – 2012 as a tool which is not Mr. Downer’s text, as some erroneously claim, but simply the registering of the convergences achieved between the leaders of the two communities at that time, namely Christofias-Talat. That document, with our observations concerning the accuracy of the recording, clearly shows how we should have proceeded: The convergences, which are recorded in black, do not need to be discussed again. What remains to be discussed is the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot positions that are recorded in blue and red respectively.

We do not support this position because we consider the convergences as ideal, but for the simple reason that we know that Eroglu, regardless of communication tricks and games, is trying at all costs to rid himself from these convergences and to bring back unacceptable positions to the table. This is precisely what he attempted unsuccessfully to do during the years 2010 – 2012, when he left the negotiating table on the pretext of the assumption of Presidency of the Council of the European Union by the Republic of Cyprus.

We of course do not question the right of the President to follow its own policy on the Cyprus problem. It is his inalienable right to reject convergences he does not agree with and he will ultimately be judged by the outcome. However, developments so far demonstrate that the negotiation from zero will only cause damage.

Besides, the document on the convergences proves that all the talk propagated about “unacceptable concessions” are a myth. We characteristically refer to the position of our side for a permanent Greek Cypriot presidency if Eroglu rejects cross voting, the purported commitment for the staying of 50,000 settlers which does not exist anywhere in the document, the convergence on the exercise of the fundamental freedoms of all Cypriots without any restrictions and so much more.

The period immediately ahead of us will be decisive with regards the development of the negotiating process. If wrong moves are made, the possibility of correcting the damage will now be difficult. We must all rise to the occasion and act to serve not any petty-party or personal vindication, but the well-intentioned interests of our homeland and people which is none other than the reversal of the unacceptable and dangerous status quo and the solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of principles.