The Greek Cypriot side wishes for a solution which will not just bring closure for the Cyprus issue but will be based on principles, be functional, just and viable, Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Sofoclis Aletraris has said.
Aletraris was addressing in Nicosia on Monday afternoon an event organised to commemorate 38 years from the occupation of the northern coastal city of Kyrenia.
Memories come to life and become more intense every July because they are accompanied by anger and resentment, he said, adding that the continued occupation of part of the country “does not let us forget”.
“The status quo and the continued partition of our country, is in no way acceptable”, he noted.
Aletraris further called on everyone to continue efforts for an agreed solution the soonest possible since the passing of time only deepens the faits accomplis.
Efforts should continue, he said, to put an end to the Turkish occupation and illegal settling of the occupied areas, to ensure human rights and basic freedoms of the entire people of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins.
“The Greek Cypriot side’s will for a solution is granted”, he noted. However, he added, it is not ready to accepte any solution. What the Greek Cypriot side wishes for, he explained, is “a solution based on basic principles, which will be functional, just and viable”.
Cyprus was divided in 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN led talks have been under way since 2008 with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.