We must support the resumption of negotiations with consistency
Statement by AKEL C.C. Spokesperson Stefanos Stefanou
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 16th September 2020, Nicosia
Given that for the first time in the period of the Cyprus problem such a long spell of stagnation and gap in negotiations has existed, the fact that the international processes for a de-escalation of the tension in the Eastern Mediterranean objectively set the Cyprus problem also within the framework of the discussions is of particular importance. Besides, it was expected – the General Secretariat of the UN has declared this many times and it is included in the joint statement of Berlin – that after the vote in the occupied territories, the Secretary General Mr. Guterres would undertake efforts for a resumption of the negotiations with the aim of reaching a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem.
In view of all this, the crucial point is how our side responds. The President and the Government must send out a clear and convincing message that our side is ready to resume negotiations from the point at which they were interrupted at Crans Montana, on the basis of the UN Secretary General Framework and, of course, safeguarding the convergences that have been recorded, without footnotes and preconditions. This is the message that Mr. Anastasiades must convey to the President of the European Council Mr. Charles Michel.
In the face of the escalating Turkish aggression, the dangers for the fenced-off area of Varosha and the ongoing occupation and division of our country, the Greek Cypriot side side must project the path of the solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the agreed framework of bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality, as described in the relevant resolutions of the United Nations. This is also the position of the UN Security Council, the EU and the international community as a whole.
AKEL will not tire of repeating that only the liberation and reunification of our homeland within the framework of a comprehensive solution can represent a vindication for our people and a guarantee for a future of security and peace on our island.
