Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades said Sunday that a solution of the Cyprus problem would benefit Turkey, it would be positive for its European course and energy needs as well as for the improvement of its relations with Greece. Meanwhile, he added, a model state would be created in an unstable region, where all people could live together in peace.
Speaking at a memorial service at St. Paul Church in Nicosia, for the fallen soldiers of 336 Order, who gave their lives during the Turkish invasion in Nicosia, President Anastasiades also send a message to Cyprus’ European partners, “who are now more involved in the procedure for a solution”. They should know, he said, that “our will which is stated for 41 years now and the will of Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci are not enough on their own” to lead to a Cyprus solution. A sign is needed from Turkey, that also stands to benefit from a settlement, he said.
He said that statements expressing determination to solve the problem are not enough and what is needed is Turkey taking concrete steps towards a solution.
President Anastasiades noted that through the dialogue the Greek Cypriot side seeks the transformation of Cyprus into a federal state with a new structure.
A state, he said, with two regions where the principle of political equality as defined in the United Nations resolutions and the principle of political equality as defined in the United Nations resolutions will be applying, the two communities will have the first say, each in its own region, with respect however, to the implementation of human rights and the acquis for all citizens without exception in any state they live or belong to.
He said that the Cyprus issue has a past which, unfortunately, creates data that nobody can ignore if he really wants to face reality.
Today`s unacceptable situation, he added, not only perpetuates the occupation and division, but alters the demographic character of the occupied land and leads to the selling of our property, devastation and destruction of our religious monuments and everything that reminds our cultural heritage.
President Nicos Anastasiades called for unity in respect of the Cyprus negotiations and expressed his determination not to let fear outweigh the wish for the reunification of the island. He is determine to see a reunified country, he noted. A Federal state, a European state that will guarantee the rights of all its citizens, a state that will offer the prospect for prosperity.
There is, he said a window of opportunity that we should seize.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-led talks, aiming to reunite the island under a federal roof, resumed on May 15, this year.