Jamaica supports the peaceful settlement of the Cyprus problem and encourages the leaders of both sides to resume negotiations in good faith, as soon as the conditions for resumption of talks are in place, for a solution that will take into account the interests of both communities on the island, believing firmly that a peaceful settlement will not only redound to the benefit of all Cypriots, but also to the continued stability of the European Union and the wider region, Jamaica`s new High Commissioner to Cyprus, based in London, Aloun Angela Ndombet-Assamba has said.
Presenting her credentials to President Nicos Anastasiades, during a ceremony on Thursday at the Presidential Palace, Ndombet-Assamba assured that the government of Jamaica supports the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the peaceful settlement of the Cyprus problem through bicommunal talks under the auspices of the UN.
She referred to the excellent bilateral relations between Jamaica and Cyprus, noting that the two countries, though vastly different in their historical evolution, share striking similarities.
Receiving the credentials, President Anastasiades reiterated his “sincere willingness and determination to work tirelessly to achieve a settlement reuniting Cyprus”.
The President referred to recent developments in the Cyprus problem, which raised expectations for a comprehensive settlement and the reunification of the country and its people, pointing out however that Turkey’s illegal and provocative actions in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone since October 2014 subverted the very basic principle of negotiations, that is, the engagement of all sides on an equal footing, free from threats and blackmail. “Under these circumstances, there was no option for the government of Cyprus but to suspend talks”, he added.
“What we need now is the implementation of measures that will restore confidence, and not measures that increase mistrust among the legal citizens of the island, through actions that violate international law. In this respect, I call the Turkish Cypriot leadership and in particular Turkey to demonstrate genuine political will and negotiate in good faith, so as to contribute constructively to the efforts to reach a settlement as soon as possible, not only in theory and rhetoric, but through practical and substantial actions”, he said.
President Anastasiades also referred to the financial crisis, noting that “the Cypriot economy is now on the road to full recovery”.
He spoke about achievements so far and pointed out that “we are aware of the challenges ahead” and that “our emphasis is now turned towards the necessary structural reforms”.
“The focus of my government is on drafting a growth strategy, a `Cypriot reform programme`, with the overall aim to build the foundations for sustainable growth over the long run, to attract foreign investments and to create a new economic model for the country. The commitment of my government to implementing the Memorandum of Understanding agreed with the Troika is unequivocal. The way forward is not easy, but I have absolute confidence that the spirit of unity and the drive to succeed, already demonstrated by the people of Cyprus, will prevail”, he said.
He furthermore referred to the bilateral relations of substance and trusting dialogue between the two countries, noting that they provide a solid foundation on which to further promote cooperation in new areas, such as tourism, trade and education.