Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (13.01.14) reports that the German Ambassador to Nicosia, Dr Gabriela Guellil has said that the reunification of Germany in 1990 has secured benefits to the country in many fields and advised the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots to be courageous and make use of the opportunity to solve the Cyprus problem.
Responding in writing to Kibris’ questions, the Ambassador noted that Germany has always been supporting a just, lasting and functional solution to the Cyprus problem. Describing as “positive” the fact that no hot conflict exists on the island, the German Ambassador said thatthe time that passes is not in favour of finding a solution on the island. “Time is also not in favour of the negotiating sides’ achieving a better result”, she added.
Dr Guellil went on and said that the division of Cyprus and Nicosia continues to be a “stain of shame” in Europe and the world.
Noting that because of the non-solution of the Cyprus problem, other problems “have been frozen” before us, the German diplomat pointed out that stagnation exists regarding Europe’s defence and security structure. She added: “The Cyprus problem locks the achievement of an agreement in the decision making mechanism here. The Cyprus problem has since a long time been a headache for NATO”.
Dr Guellil went on and wondered how right it is for the international community to spend time and energy for the Cyprus problem while unrest exists in the area because of the “Arab Spring”.
The German Ambassador said that the solution of the Cyprus problem has the potential of being the way to settle the on-going economic difficulties in the island and added that “Germany supports any steps to be taken for the improvement of the Cyprus’ economy”.
Referring to Turkey’s accession process to the EU, Dr Guellil noted that her country maintains the position that Turkey is obliged to fulfil her obligations as regards the Ankara Protocol and added that the solution of the Cyprus problem “could change the rules of the game”.