Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parties have asked for a more inclusive negotiating process and more confidence building measures.
According to a joint communiqué, read by Slovak Ambassador Anna Tureničova after a monthly meeting at Ledra Palace, in Nicosia, today, “political parties leaders and representatives underline that lack of women and young people is a deficiency in the negotiating process and express the need to undertake effective consultation with the civil society based on both the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides for a more inclusive negotiating process”.
It is also noted that “all parties stressed the need to resume the negotiations for a speedy federal solution of the Cyprus problem”.
They believe that more confidence building measures should accompany the negotiation process, the joint communiqué adds.
An introductory paper by New Cyprus Party, which hosted today`s meeting, warns of the rapid colonization taking place in the occupied areas.
It refers in particular to occupied Morphou as an area targeted by Turkey for investment with the construction of roads, tourist areas and harbours and to the so called public services being “in the process of taking over” by the Turkish capital, such as the illegal airport at Tymbou area and electricity and telephony services.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN led talks have been underway with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.
Following the island’s invasion, Anatolian settlers have been brought into Cyprus by Ankara, under a deliberate and systematic policy aiming at altering the demographic character of the Republic of Cyprus and creating a new political and social reality in occupied Cyprus.