A campaign calling for online signatures to a Petition in support of the reunification of Cyprus was launched today. The Petition is addressed to the President of the Republic with the aim of expressing public support for a solution that reunifies Cyprus on the basis of Security Council resolutions and in accordance with the consensus reached at the Berlin meeting on 25 November 2019 with the then Turkish Cypriot leader in the presence of the UN Secretary General.
The campaign for the Petition was presented at today’s press conference during which the thinking, motivation and purpose for this independent, non-partisan initiative were outlined. It was explained that the initiative was solely motivated and guided by genuine concern for the future of Cyprus, in view of the real danger of our country being permanently partitioned and running the future risk of the whole of Cyprus falling in the hands of Turkey. The only way to avert this danger, it was firmly emphasized, is through the reunification of Cyprus on the basis of the aforementioned principles and as outlined in greater detail in the Petition.
The belief was also expressed that the prospect of a successful conclusion of the process for the solution of the Cyprus problem, the course towards which, it is hoped, will be set at the upcoming 5+1 informal meeting convened by the UN Secretary General on 27-29 April, would be substantially strengthened if the President of the Republic, the political forces in Cyprus, the UN Secretary General and all interested parties were made well aware that the solution process is supported by the overwhelming majority of the Greek Cypriot community.
Short video interventions, in the same spirit and conveying support for the reunification of Cyprus, by former President of the Republic George Vassiliou, by His Grace Bishop Vasilios, Metropolitan of Constantia and Famagusta, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides, international law expert Toumazos Tsielepis and by Takis Hadjidemetriou, co-chair of the Bicommunal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, were shown during the press conference. These video messages will continue to be available as part of the
public information campaign for the Petition initiative, which is being undertaken by the Telia & Pavla BBDO agency.
Comprising the small group who conceived and formulated this initiative are Phanos Epiphaniou, entrepreneur,Andreas Matsis, entrepreneur, Eleftherios (Eric) Montanios, advocate, Christos P. Panayiotides,political analysist and certified public accountant, and Pavlos Anastasiades, former Cyprus Ambassador.
The Petition was initially co-signed by 150 well-known Cypriots, hailing from different political and social quarters, and is now open for online signature via the internet on the website 1Cyprus.eu to all citizens,over the age of 18, who belong to the Greek Cypriot community. Even though the procedure for online signing the Petition is quite easy, simple and straightforward, a help-line service is available Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm, and can be accessed by calling 700-74-777 (standard local call rate).
The Petition text itself begins by noting the reasons for which the solution of reunification is deemed the only way to avert the grave dangers facing Cyprus and the Greek Cypriot community and, thereafter, sets out the basic parameters of the envisaged solution agreement which include, among other, the following:
“…an agreed solution of the Cyprus problem that entails the transformation of the Republic of Cyprus into a bicommunal bizonal Federation, with political equality and effective participation of the two communities,as provided by the Resolutions of the Security Council. The basis for this effort shall be the Joint Declaration of 11 February 2014, the convergences attained so far in the negotiation process and the Framework of the Secretary-General of the United Nations of 30 June 2017 with its six parameters.
It is understood that:
• It will be agreed, as also indicated by the Secretary-General, that the anachronistic guarantees and unilateral intervention rights shall be abolished, and that Turkey’s occupation forces shall be with drawn within a given timeframe.
• Arrangements that will provide the required sense of security to both communities shall be made, and deadlock-resolving mechanisms shall be introduced in decision-making at the federal level, while a plan for the monitoring and supervision of the implementation of the solution agreement shall be laid out and accepted by all concerned.
• The solution agreement reached shall explicitly prohibit the partition of Cyprus or the secession of any part of the country or the union of Cyprus in whole or in part with another country.”
The full text of the Petition and the list of the names of the 150 persons who first co-signed it, can be found on the website 1Cyprus.eu which also includes a “Frequently Asked Questions” section. This material is enclosed herewith for easy reference.
As the 1Cyprus initiative group, we call on all citizens to join ranks with us in this effort, by co-signing the Petition in support of the reunification of Cyprus and by encouraging others to do the same, so that we may,all together, make our voice heard and avert the consolidation of the partition of our country and a full catastrophe for Cyprus. So that the Cyprus problem is at long-last resolved and our homeland freed from foreign occupation, offering hope for the future and the young generation.
Why is the Petition launched now?
We are going through a difficult phase in the history of the Cyprus Problem. This may be our last chance of averting the partition of Cyprus. This is what we will end-up with, if we fail to re-unite our home country.
There is a serious risk of seeing this happening, despite the fact that most Greek Cypriots and most Turkish Cypriots unreservedly reject the amputation of Cyprus.
To whom is the Petition addressed?
The Petition for the re-unification of Cyprus is addressed to the President of the Republic and the leader of the Greek Cypriot community. Indirectly, the Petition is also addressed to the international community and, in general, to all those involved in Cypriot politics.
What is the Petition aiming at?
The Petition is intended to raise the awareness of all those involved in the resolution of the Cyprus Problem to the fact that the passage of time leads to the creation of circumstances, which are gradually becoming irreversible and that the prolongation of the prevailing uncertainty poses serious risks to the future
of the Greek Cypriot community. Our goal is to motivate our leaders to press on with courage in the direction of resolving the Cyprus Problem (on the basis proclaimed by the President of the Republic before the General Assembly of the United Nations ıv September of 2019, agreed at the meeting of the leaders of the two communities in Berlin and confirmed by the Resolutions of the Security Council of the U.N., dated 30 January 2020 and 28 July 2020) and to assure them that in this effort of theirs we will be standing next
to them to provide them with our full help and support.
Why are the Turkish Cypriots not participating in the Petition?
The Petition is addressed to the leader of the Greek Cypriot community by the members of the Greek Cypriot community. Nevertheless, we hope that the Petition will encourage and motivate our Turkish Cypriots compatriots to support a solution based on a model of a bicommunal, bizonal federation.
Which political party is sponsoring the Petition?
The Petition is a truly supra-partisan initiative and it is not associated with any political party, in any way.
Who is coordinating the procedure of compiling, signing and delivering the Petition?
The Petition initiative has been undertaken by a group of Greek Cypriots, who have no party-political aspirations, their interest being confined to serving the interests of Cyprus. The members of the coordinating committee of this initiative are (in aging order) Phanos Epiphaniou, Andreas Matsis, Eleftherios (Eric) Montanios, Christos P. Panayiotides and Pavlos Anastasiades. From the listing of the names of the distinguished Cypriots, who have first signed the Petition, you will note that they cover the whole political and social spectrum of Cyprus and they are dispersed throughout Cyprus.
For how long will the Petition remain “open” for signing by the public?
The period of time over which the Petition will remain “open”, i.e. the period during which will be possible to sign, will be limited. For this reason, please act immediately. Please encourage your parents, your children
who have come of age, your friends, your relatives and your acquaintances to do likewise.
PETITION IN SUPPORT OF THE REUNIFICATION OF CYPRUS
We, the undersigned citizens of the Republic of Cyprus,
BECAUSE WE CONSIDER THAT:
1. The failure to reach an agreed solution to the Cyprus problem will consolidate the partition of the country and will, in essence, transform the occupied area of Cyprus into a protectorate of Turkey, thus creating,on the ground, an extended land frontier with Turkey, which, in the future, could very well risk the whole of Cyprus falling into the hands of Turkey.
2. There already exists the danger of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot administration opening up the fenced area of occupied Famagusta (Varosha) for settlement by persons other than its lawful inhabitants and/or exploitation by Turkish business concerns as well as for the possible settlement of Greek Cypriots under a Turkish Cypriot administration.
3. Without the resolution of the Cyprus problem, there is a real risk of the Republic of Cyprus failing to commercially exploit the wealth resting in its exclusive economic zone.
4. There are no visible prospects of the strong geopolitical negotiating position currently enjoyed by Turkey being substantially weakened.
5. As demonstrated by recent developments, the likelihood of causing such a cost to Turkey, so as to force her to accept a solution we would consider ideal, is remote.
6. Today, no developments are in sight that could favourably affect the prevailing circumstances, thus enabling us to arrive at a solution that would be materially better than the solution outlined below.
7. The solution referred to below will be both functional and viable, especially given Cyprus’ membership of the European Union, which will facilitate the smooth functioning of the federation and the resolution of the disputes that could arise.
8. The solution, as outlined below, is likely to be supported by the majority of Greek Cypriots, provided that they will be promptly and properly briefed.
9. The only available options under the prevailing harsh reality are either a negotiated solution or the partition of Cyprus and the effective surrendering to Turkey of anscestral lands with a history of thousand of years.
WE APPEAL TO YOU:
To do whatever is necessary to secure a positive course and a successful outcome of the negotiation process,in order to reach an agreed solution of the Cyprus problem that entails the transformation of the Republic of Cyprus into a bicommunal bizonal federation, with political equality and effective participation of the two communities, as provided by the Resolutions of the Security Council. The basis of such an agreement must
be the Joint Declaration of 11 February 2014, the convergences attained so far in the negotiation process and the Framework of the Secretary General of the United Nations of 30 June 2017 with its six parameters.
It is understood that:
• It will be agreed, as suggested by the Secretary General, that the anachronistic guarantees and unilateral intervention rights shall be abolished and Turkey’s occupation forces shall be withdrawn within a given timeframe.
• Arrangements that will provide the required sense of security to both communities shall be made and deadlock-resolution mechanisms shall be introduced at the federal level, while an implementation and supervision plan of the agreed solution shall be laid out and accepted by all concerned.
• The agreement reached shall explicitly prohibit the partition of Cyprus or the secession of a segment of the country and its union, in whole or in part, with another country.
We anticipate that the opportunities generated by the current developments in the Eastern Mediterranean,concerning the exploitation of natural resources, will be utilised in a manner that would serve the superior goal of resolving the Cyprus problem, rather than the other way round.
Furthermore, we could agree that, post-solution, natural gas could be channelled to its ultimate destination via Turkey, while the issue of the delineation of the EEZ between Cyprus and Turkey is referred to a competent international arbitration court.
We wish to underline the need to take all the necessary practical measures, which would facilitate and promote the independence of the Turkish Cypriots from Turkey. In this respect, we should seek to regain their trust. This goal can be attained by catering for their needs, their fears and their concerns in our proposals for the resolution of the Cyprus problem and by addressing, in practical terms, their day-to-day problems.
In conclusion, we believe that our side must approach the negotiations with a commitment to the idea that a solution must and can be reached. If, despite our honest and genuine efforts, the attainment of this goal proves unfeasible, we will at least be able to clearly demonstrate that the obstacle in reaching an agreement is Turkey, thus mitigating the adverse consequences of such an undesirable development.
WE WISH TO ASSURE YOU THAT we will wholeheartedly support the efforts exerted in reaching
a solution, as hereby described.
April 2021
The first signatories to the Petition are listed below (in alphabetical order):
Acniotis Haris, ex-Central Bank Senior Executive
Adilinis Lefteris, Journalist
Afxentiou Costas, Chartered Accountant
Anastasiades Pavlos, ex-Ambassador
Anastassiou Christos, Retired Businessman
Andreou Tryphonas, Businessman
Angastiniotis Christodoulos, President of Chamber of Commerce
Apostolides Meletis, Architect
Bargilly Andy, Scenographer
Bishop Vassilios, Bishop of Famagusta
Charalambous Andreas, Economist
Charalambous Charalambos M., Economist
Charalambous Pambos, Journalist
Charalambous Sotiroula, ex-Minister of Labour
Christodoulides George, Educationist
Christou Andreas, ex-Minister, ex-Mayor of Limassol
Clerides Katie, Retired
Clerides Marios, ex-Securities Commission President
Clerides Petros, ex-Attorney General
Clerides Sofronis, Economist
Galanos Christos, Lawyer
Georgallis Costas, Entrepreneur
Constantinides Savvas, Interventional Cardiologist
Constantinou Costas M., Prof. of Internat. Relations, Cyprus Univ.
Danielides Yiannos, ex-Commissioner for Pers. Data Protection
Demetriades Achilleas, Advocate
Demetriou Alexis, Businessman
Demetriou Demetris, Member of Parliament
Demetriou Haris, Ex-champion of CY & GR 400m race
Demetriou Themos, Civil Engineer, ex-President of ETEK
Dikaios Sandro, Accountant
Diogenous Anna, Businesswoman
Dracou Stefi, ex-Director General of Assn of Insurance Cos
Efstathiou George, Company executive president
Eliades Demetris, ex-Minister
Eliades Marios, Advocate, ex-Minister
Ellinas Charles, Intl consultant on energy and oil
Epiphaniou Phanos, Businessman
Fialas Costas, Retired
Gabrielides Alexandros, Architect
Galanou Alexandra, Writer
Gavrielides Eleonora, Journalist / Housewife
Georghadji Chrystalla, ex-Governor of Central Bank of Cyprus
Hadjidemetriou Takis, Pres. of Intercom. Cultural Inheritance Committee
Hadjigeorgiou Takis, ex-Member of European Parliament
Hadjihambi Habibi Celia, Famagusta Municipal Councillor
Hadjihambis Demetrios, Former President of the Supreme Court
Iacovides Kyriacos, Newspaper Director
Iacovou Pavlos, Retired
Iakovou Maria, Professor of Archaeology
Ierodiaconou Leontios, ex-Minister & Member of Parliament
Ioannou C. Yiannos, Economist-Entrepreneur
Ioannou Flora, Former Mayor of Kyrenia
Ioannou Pitta Despo, Businesswoman
Ioannou Simos, Doctor / Mayor of Famagusta, Bisinesswoman
Iosifidis Alexandros, Ass. Mgr of The Cyprus Maritime Chamber
Jacovides Agni, Economist
Joannides Marios, Chartered Accountant
Josephides-Agapiou Kalliopi, Ass. Prof. Cyprus Univ, Inst. for Gender Equality
Kalavana Theano, Scholar
Kalopsidiotou Stavri, International Lawyer
Karageorgis Nicolas, Information Technology Engineer
Karayiannis Andros, IT Consultant
Karayiannis Andros, Mayor of Deryneia
Karoullas Nicos, Mgr of Pharmaceutical Co.
Kasoulides Ioannis, ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs
Kazakos Thomas, Director General, The Cyprus Shipping Chamber
Kazamias Kikis, ex-Minister
Kleopas Myrna, ex-Ambassador
Kleopas Yiangos, ex-Senior Bank Executive
Kozakou-Marcoullis Erato, ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs
Larkou Larkos, Columnist, Political Analyst
Lefas John, Electrical Engineer
Lefkaritis Dinos, Businessman
Liatsos Michael, Businessman
Loizides Neophytos, Prof. of Politics & Intl Relations
Lordos Akis, Businessman
Lordos-Ionides Areti, Businesswoman
Mahdessian Kevork, Consultant
Malas Stavros, Academic / ex-Minister
Mandrides Stelios, Businessman
Marangou Anna, Archaeologist, Art Historian
Markides Alecos, ex-Attorney General
Maroudias Nicolaos P., Orthodedic Surgeon
Mastri Christoforidou Emilia, Businesswoman
Matsis Andreas, Businessman
Matsis Symeon, Retired Director General, Cyprus Civil Service
Mavrommatis Manthos, Businessman
Mavroudis George, Businessman
Mesaritis Nikos, Architect
Michaelides George, Tourism Consultant
Mitsides Christos, Advocate
Montanios (Eric) Eleftherios, Advocate
Montanios Acis, Advocate
Montanios Adamos, Advocate
Mylonas Charalambos, Shipowner
Nemitsas Takis, ex-Minister
Neocleous Gaston, Economist, Enorassis Club
Nicolaou Argyro, Scholar, Writer
Pachis George, Mechanical Engineer
Panayiotides Christos P., Political Analyst, CPA
Papa Ioli, Pulmonologist
Papadopoulos Kyriacos D., Author
Papapetrou Demetris, Obstetrician-Gynecologist
Papapetrou Michalis, Advocate
Papathomas August, Financial Advisor
Papavassiliou Christakis Prodromou, Shipping Agent
Papavassiliou Chrysostomos, Businessman
Pappa Xenia, Activist
Paralikis Andreas, Economist
Pavlou Christakis, Consultant
Pavlou Pavlos, President of Assoc. for Social Reform
Peristianis Nicos, Sociologist/Founding Pres. Cyprus Univ.
Petrides Petros, Executive Director
Phitidis Sophie, ex-Deputy Mayor of Famagusta
Pierides Demetrios, Art Collector
Pierides Kyriakos, Journalist
Pilides Phidias, Ex-president of Chamber of Commerce
Pissarides Christoforos, Nobel Price Winner Economist
Pourgouras Andreas, Business Consultant
Pourgourides Christos, Advocate
Psaltis Charis, Assoc.Professor, University of Cyprus
Rolandis Nicos, ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs & Commerce
Samatas Panos, Architect
Sarris Alkis, Businessman
Sarris Michalis, ex-Minister of Finance
Savvides Eleni, Publications Manager
Savvides Nayia, Architect
Savvides Savvas, Tax Consultant
Shakallis Loizos, Businessman
Sierifis Mihalis, Ambassador (retired)
Stratis Socrates, Architect, Town Planner
Stylianou Athos, Cerified Public Accountant
Stylianou Danae, Film Director
Stylianou Olympia, ex-Perm. Secr.-Min. of Education/Agriculture
Stylianou Stelios, ex-Senior Executive of Electrivity Authority
Stylianou Stelios T., High School Teacher
Syrimis G. Nicos, Chartered Accountant
Theodoulou Christos, Accountant Auditor
Theodoulou Othon, Businessman
Thoukidides Thoukis
Toumazis Yiannis, Academic/Curator
Tsielepis Toumazos, International Lawyer
Valanidou Christina, Activist
Vassiliou Androulla, ex-EU Commissioner
Vassiliou Giorgos, Former President of the Republic
Yiangou Christos, Business Executive
Zannettos Chrysanthos, Deputy Mayor of Famagusta
Zavallis Lakis, Environmentalist
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