The reunification of Cyprus is a one-way path, stated on Sunday the Minister of Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, adding that this is the sole concern of the President of the Republic in the arduous effort he has undertaken since taking office. He also emphasised that “we are entering a critical week for the Cyprus problem”.
Speaking on behalf of the government at the memorial service for those killed during the coup of July 15, 1974 and the Turkish invasion five days later, held at the Agios Theodoros Church and officiated by Bishop Arsinoe Pangratios of the Panagia Chryssorroyiatissa monastery, Ioannou noted that the unwavering goal of the Greek Cypriot side is to restart dialogue from where it was interrupted during the last talks that were held in July 2017 in Crans-Montana.
“Through our consistent and responsible stance, and our carefully planned and targeted diplomatic initiatives, with perseverance and determination, we have succeeded in ending a stagnation observed for seven years regarding the Cyprus issue.
Our effort is ongoing, said Ioannou, stating that they have a clear goal and are working toward achieving it. He continued that we are entering a crucial week for the Cyprus problem, adding that the President of the Republic will participate in the multilateral conference convened by the UN Secretary-General in New York, with a positive attitude and proper preparation, to engage in substantive discussion. “We aim to safeguard and intensify the momentum of the last two years, with the goal of positive outcomes and real progress, and to create the conditions that will allow us to return to dialogue”, he stressed.
Our final goal, said Ioannou, is to reach a viable and functional solution that will safeguard and protect the rights of all legitimate citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. “We seek a solution based on the agreed framework and the negotiating acquis, that will rid our country of the presence of occupying armies, guarantor powers, and intervention rights,” he emphasized.
A solution, he said, that will enable all lawful residents of Cyprus to live in conditions of peace, security, and prosperity, and will establish the Republic of Cyprus as a pillar of stability and security in the turbulent Eastern Mediterranean region.
He concluded by saying that justice for the victims of the coup and invasion will only come through the liberation and reunification of our homeland, and the peaceful coexistence of all Cypriots.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced in early May the re-appointment of María Angela Holguín Cuéllar of Colombia as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus.
The European Commission designated Johannes Hahn, a former European Commissioner, as Special Envoy for Cyprus to contribute to the settlement process, in close cooperation with Holguín.