We remain committed to our goal of peace and reunification
Article by Neoklis Sylikiotis, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C. of AKEL and AKEL Member of the European Parliament
24th January 2017
The talks in Geneva between the two sides may on the one hand have yielded little, but positive results. Despite the alarmism promoted by certain circles and forces that the Republic of Cyprus would be de-recognized, there was no such development. Quite the opposite, two maps on the territorial issue were submitted by the two communities, and the negotiations proceeded with convergences on specific issues on the chapter of governance.
The initial proposal submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side may not have left our side satisfied, but through this submission a substantive discussion on the territorial issue is beginning. Furthermore, the fact that Turkey has agreed to discuss issues of Security, which also includes the issue of guarantees at the same time as the United Nations and many EU members acknowledge that the current system of guarantees is an anachronism, generates cautious optimism. The security system to be agreed under the auspices of the UN Security Council must provide guarantees for the implementation of the solution itself. The statements of the UN Secretary General regarding on this issue were towards this end, something which we welcome.
The active presence of the EU through Commission President Juncker, who confirmed that the Republic of Cyprus was and would remain a member of the EU, thus safeguarding the transformation of the Republic, was particularly important – as was his reference that 3.1 billion Euros will be set aside for the solution of the Cyprus problem from the EU’s multiannual financial framework
We do not believe that Geneva was entirely successful, nor do we believe that the road ahead is strewn with rose petals. Until the solution of the Cyprus problem, we need to wage many struggles, and most importantly, demonstrate commitment to positions of principles, flexibility with regards the negotiation procedure, collectivity, responsibility and forge unity on the domestic front is required.
As AKEL, we are continuing after Geneva to act constructively for a successful conclusion of the procedure, and for the reunification of our country and people. We continue to support the efforts to reach a solution.
The non-solution of the Cyprus problem does not mean the preservation of the Republic of Cyprus, but the perpetuation of the partitionist status quo, with enormous dangers for the prospect and future of Cyprus and the Cypriot people. The perpetuation of partition will lead to the disappearance of the Turkish Cypriot community and the incorporation of the occupied areas in Turkey.
At the same time however we will not effortlessly accept any solution.
The proposal that will come before us will be evaluated as regards its content in an extraordinary Party Congress, which will also decide the position that the Party will uphold.
In our struggle, we rally our forces with those of the thousands of Cypriots who are fighting for the reunification of our country and people.
We back the long-standing positions of the National Council, rejecting at the same time any demagogic, unrealistic and damaging rhetoric. The patriotic duty of every Cypriot is the continuation of the daily struggle to strengthen our people’s will for a solution. Together with the trade union movement, the mass organizations and ordinary citizens we are continuing the struggle for a united, free, demilitarized and federal Cyprus. It is essential that we participate continuously in the common mass events being organized for liberation from the occupation and for the reunification of our country and people. Through our daily work, we continue to support the peace process until its final conclusion.
Peace in Cyprus cannot be prevented!
Only in a peaceful, demilitarized, united and federal country without foreign guarantors and “guardians” will Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots march on their common path in conditions of permanent security and cooperation.
