The provocative actions of Turkey within the Republic of Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) , instead of its expected tangible support to efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem and positive response to the proposed confidence building measures, demonstrate the lack of substantial political will on the part of the Turkish side, Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides said in a written statement on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the illegal unilateral declaration of the pseudo-state in Cyprus` Turkish occupied areas.
“We rule out and we condemn any form of partition, and we underline that only the termination of the occupation and the reunification of Cyprus and its people will bring about growth, prosperity and conditions of peace and security for our homeland and for the broader region of the Eastern Mediterranean,” the spokesman said, pledging that the government will continue with determination, and on the basis of the values and principles of the United Nations and the European Union, and by making the best use of international alliances, to defend the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus emanating from international law.
“At the same time, we reiterate our commitment to participate in a substantive dialogue, away from threats and intimidations, aiming at reaching a viable, functional and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem. In this framework, we will continue our struggle against the fait accomplis of the Turkish invasion and occupation with consistency and steadfastness,” he noted.
“Thirty one years are completed today from the day that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership proceeded to the illegal unilateral declaration of the pseudo-state, in the framework of their policy to make permanent and to legitimize the fait accomplis of the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation, and for the division of Cyprus,” Christodoulides said.
He recalled that the international community reacted in a condemnatory manner and with clarity and that through a series of resolutions, including resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984), the UN Security Council condemned the illegal unilateral declaration, characterizing it as legally invalid and calling on all states not to recognize the pseudo-state and not to facilitate or in any way assist the secessionist entity.
“The declaration of the pseudo-state was condemned and is still being condemned today, since a lawful outcome cannot be produced as a result of an illegal act such as the use of military force,” Christodoulides, said adding that “despite the passing of more than three decades, we continue our struggle on the basis of international law and of European law and principles, aiming at the reunification of Cyprus, its economy and its people, on the basis of a bi-zonal bi-communal federation, with one single sovereignty, one single citizenship and one single international personality, with political equality as defined in the relevant UN resolutions.”
“Unfortunately, the talks between the two communities, under the auspices of the UN Secretary General, have been suspended because of, once again, the provocative and illegal conduct of Turkey, through the unacceptable violations of the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus in its Exclusive Economic Zone,” Christodoulides noted.
He underlined that “the provocative actions of Turkey within the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus, instead of its expected tangible support for the efforts to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem and positive response for the proposed confidence building measures, demonstrate the lack of substantial political will on the part of the Turkish side.”
Cyprus, an EU member state, has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and continue to occupy 37% of its territory. President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades decided last month to suspend his participation in the UN-backed negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem, after Turkish seismic exploration vessel Barbaros illegally entered Cyprus` EEZ to conduct research, a few days after Turkey issued a maritime order (NAVTEX) for the area.
In November 1983, Turkey instigated and endorsed a “unilateral declaration of independence” in the occupied area by the Turkish Cypriot leadership.
The self-styled Turkish Cypriot regime has not been recognized by anyone other than Turkey, which exercises effective control over Cyprus’ occupied areas. UN Security Council resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984) categorically condemned this unilateral action, declared it legally invalid, called for its withdrawal, and called on all UN member-states not to recognize this illegal entity. The EU and other international and regional organizations have adopted similar positions.