A solution to the Cyprus problem constitutes a pivotal aspect for the geopolitical development of the Eastern Mediterranean, President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades, has said.
“A pivotal aspect in terms of geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean is, of course, the solution of the Cyprus problem. The reunification of Cyprus will undoubtedly have a decisive and positive influence in the turbulent region of the Eastern Mediterranean, by improving the relationship not only of Turkey with Cyprus but also of Turkey with the EU,” said Anastasiades in an address titled “The Silver Lining for Cyprus: Geopolitics, Hydrocarbons and the Economy to the German think tank “Deutsche Gesselschaft fur Auswatartige Politic e.V.
As the UN-led talks that began following a joint statement reached by the two communities in late February, reached their second phase the President referred to his initiative he took a few months ago, “to lend an impetus to the negotiations for a settlement of the Cyprus problem: Namely the submission of game-changing confidence building measures.”
He noted that the proposal envisages the return of the closed-off ghost city of Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants, while providing for opening the port of Famagusta, located in the Turkish-occupied area, for trade under EU auspices. In conjunction with this, a number of Turkey’s EU accession negotiating chapters would open, provided also that Turkey fully implements the Ankara Protocol vis-à-vis Cyprus.
“This proposal has been heralded by the European Union, by individual member states as well as the White House. Unfortunately, as of yet, we are still awaiting a positive response from the Turkish side, which seems to be dragging its feet on the matter,” he noted.
Noting that confidence building measures are exactly that key element that can give a boost to the negotiations process, the President stressed that “the ultimate goal, however, remains the solution to the Cyprus problem, which should meet the aspirations of all Cypriots to co-exist peacefully in a European country, enjoying full respect of their fundamental human rights and freedoms.”
Furthermore, Anastasiades said that one of his government`s goals “has been the realignment of Cyprus’ priorities and the reorientation of Cyprus’ foreign policy based on a comprehensive and outward-looking approach premised on enhancing bilateral and regional cooperation with the end goal of contributing to the restoration of stability, peace and prosperity in the turbulent region of the Eastern Mediterranean.”
“My primary aim in external relations has been to provide Cyprus with a clear foreign policy identity. In this respect, the focus of my Government has been to positively contribute to Europe’s common foreign and security policy by exploiting all the prospects provided by Cyprus’ geographic position,” he said.
With regard to the geopolitics of the region, Anastasiades said a significant element which has changed the geopolitical context of the region, is the discovery of hydrocarbon reserves in the Levantine Basin.
“This has opened up new avenues of cooperation for the countries of the region. The possibility for a number of states to cooperate for the joint utilisation and exploitation of these resources to the benefit of future generations, has the potential to alleviate some of the stark security dilemmas faced by almost every country in the region,” the President said.
“The possibility for a number of states to cooperate for the joint utilisation and exploitation of these resources to the benefit of future generations, has the potential to alleviate some of the stark security dilemmas faced by almost every country in the region,” he went on to say. It has the potential to restore the confidence that has been absent for decades in the regional and bilateral context and be a force for stability, prosperity and peace.
He also recalled Cyprus` decision to construct an onshore Liquefied Natural Gas terminal, “in order to realise the significant potential of becoming the Eastern Mediterranean’s energy hub.”
The President noted however that “the enormity of investment required to exploit this offshore treasure requires a great deal of wisdom, vision and patience because of the volatile nature of the region. We are aware of the responsibility bestowed upon us as decisions made today will have a major effect on the region’s future.”
Referring to the financial situation to the island following the Eurogroup decisions for a €10 billion financial assistance package, the President said the recession is expected to ease in 2014 and, much needed, growth is set to return in 2015 as domestic demand recovers.
Underscoring the Government’s aim to achieve gradual recovery of the Cyprus economy by 2015, he said that Cyprus will build on its diversified, open-market economy and our highly-educated workforce are valuable assets, as Cyprus retains its unique clusters of expertise and service capability to supporting key growth sectors.
“Cypriot society is once again going through a paradigm shift, calling for readjustment and evolution. But the silver lining in what has otherwise been a difficult year is that my country is rising to the challenge and judiciously following through with the Economic Adjustment Programme, of which I am very proud. At the same time, the prospects arising from the newly discovered hydrocarbons in our EEZ, are a factor contributing to a sound basis for optimism. Reforming our economy provides us with an opportunity to seek development through sustainable means, and a better tomorrow,” he concluded.