President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades has said that differences in core issues at the Cyprus talks still remain and expressed concern over the fact that new differences needlessly arise.
The President said that the Greek Cypriot side has been participating for two years in “difficult negotiations” trying hard to reach a solution, adding that there have been some convergences in key issues and some significant progress has been achieved, but at the same time there are still differences in core issues that remain unresolved.
Stressing the need for unity among the political parties, he said that “when you receive threats – and you are still at the negotiations – ” that time is running out, it would be wise for the Greek Cypriot political leadership “to stand together and face the threats”.
The President, who was speaking at a ceremony in Limassol, during which he unveiled a statue dedicated to the Cypriots and Greeks who fell during the Turkish invasion in 1974, underlined that progress has been achieved at the talks due to the courageous and determined stance that the Greek Cypriot side has shown, with a view to address the concerns of the Turkish Cypriots, expecting them to respond to the Greek Cypriots side`s concerns accordingly.
He wondered why he should bear responsibility in the event of a collapse of the talks, when the Turkish Cypriot side, instead of demonstrating good will, has been hardening its positions.
Noting that he never sought the collapse of the Cyprus talks, he said that on the contrary, he has shown in deeds that his goal is the continuation of the dialogue.
He stressed that his vision was and remains the reunification of the country, its liberation from occupation armies, the establishment of a state that will be able to function and create conditions of peaceful coexistence and security for everyone and not only for one side.
He reaffirmed that he will continue the dialogue with the same determination, noting that he will only accept a solution that will be acceptable by the Greek Cypriot community and that will address the Greek Cypriots concerns.
Addressing later on a memorial for the leaders and heroes of the EOKA 1955-1959 anticolonial struggle, in the area of Pelendri – Kato Amiantos, the President said that he works for a functional solution that will reunify Cyprus and protect all its citizens, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
He expressed hope that through a productive dialogue, “that should take place away from any threats, preconditions or concessions, it will be possible for proposals to finally be submitted that will fully respect the justified concerns and sensitivities of the sides, especially of the Greek Cypriot side, which, through dialogue and progress, has shown that it takes into account the sensitivities of the Turkish Cypriots. What we expect is a similar demonstration of good will on the part of the Turkish Cypriots,” he added.
The President reiterated that he is not willing to accept any provisions through which the occupying troops will remain on the island, nor the system of guarantees. Referring to the Turkish demands to allocate the four freedoms to Turkish citizens in Cyprus, after a solution, through a so called equal treatment between Turkish and Greek citizens, he recalled that the Greek nationals who are in Cyprus are treated as European nationals, just like the French or the Spanish for example and, not because they have other privileges.
“I would therefore ask everyone, during this time that I am attending the negotiations, even under threat, to join forces. Our enemy is the one who threatens us,” he concluded.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. President Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci have been engaged in UN-led talks since May 2015 with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.