Cyprus President Demetris Christofias on Sunday warned against new proposals in the Cyprus negotiating process, noting that proposals such as a loose federation and talks from scratch would only harm the Cyprus problem.
Speaking during a memorial service for a hero of the resistance against the 1974 coup, which has been used by Turkey as a pretext to invade the island, Christofias said the Greek Cypriot side should keep the vision for a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the UN resolutions and the high level agreements alive as the Turkish stance remains provocative and non constructive.
“Turkey’s stance on the Cyprus problem is not constructive whatsoever. On the contrary, it remains provocative employing various threats against Cyprus and its neighbouring states,” the President said, adding “the fluid situation in our region enables Turkey to portray itself as the region’s policeman.”
“On the backdrop of this worrisome situation we all should maintain the vision for a solution to the Cyprus problem alive,” he added, noting that “in this effort we should not cease on calling our Turkish Cypriot compatriot to contribute.”
The President also noted that “with its positions our side should not give the impression that it reneges” on its proposals.
“Novel proposals for the enlargement of the negotiating process, for a loose federation or talks from scratch would only cause damage to the Cyprus problem because either they would lead to the adoption of the Turkish aspirations or would provide the opportunity for the occupying power to achieve its long-standing aims and put the view for a two-state solution on the table,” he said.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.