Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 00-09-22

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

Friday, 22 September 2000

CONTENTS

• [01] Kasoulides:The one and only reality is the imperative need for peace and reconciliation

[01] Kasoulides:The one and only reality is the imperative need for peace and reconciliation

Referring to the Turkish Foreign Minister Mr Ismail Cem's recent speech from the same rostrum, Mr Kasoulides pointed out that an attempt has been made to give a different version and interpretation of the Cyprus problem, than the one upheld and understood by the General Assembly and the Security Council.

"When one talks about the events of 1963, one should not forget the armed insurgency against the legal Government of the Republic and the deliberate decision of the Turkish Cypriot leadership to withdraw its representatives from Parliament and the organs of the Government, in order to pave the way for the present de facto division of the island", he said.

Ethnic cleansing

Three reports of the European Commission of Human Rights, following state recourses by the Republic of Cyprus against Turkey, confirm, "that ethnic cleansing" occurred in Cyprus in 1974, with the violent uprooting of one third of the Cypriot population from their homes and their expulsion from the areas which are now under Turkish occupation, Mr Kasoulides said. "This is a classic example of a creation of faits accomplis through the use of force," he added.

"How can one seriously claim that the Turkish massive military force, which invaded and continues to occupy 37% of Cypriot territory for the last 26 years is "a force of pacification or liberation? Moreover, how can anyone, speaking before this august body, describe United Nations resolutions and their call to uphold and adhere to international law as "romantic descriptions" and unrealistic assessments," he asked?

Replying to Mr Cem's remarks on the so called "realities" in Cyprus Mr Kasoulides said that what the Greek Cypriots have been asked to accept, is the result of the Turkish invasion and its dire consequences on the people of Cyprus.

"One such stark reality, reflecting the ultimate aims of Turkey in Cyprus is the presence of 98,000 Turkish mainland settlers in the occupied areas. Another reality is the mass emigration of our fellow Turkish Cypriots from the occupied areas and the constant threat posed by the 36,000 Turkish occupation troops stationed in the island", he said.

Solution based on UN resolutions

"The one and only reality, is the imperative need for peace and reconciliation in Cyprus through a mutually acceptable solution within the parameters of United Nations resolutions", he said.

The Foreign Minister made an appeal to both the Turkish Cypriots and the Turkish Government to forget the recriminations leveled by one side against the other and to look to the future: "A future bright and prosperous for all Cypriots permeated by a spirit of reconciliation, in a peaceful and reunited Cyprus, member of the European Union, in which all Cypriots would live in conditions of peace, prosperity and the full protection of their human rights and fundamental freedoms".

"We appeal to the Turkish side to seize the moment and capitalize on the current favorable environment in order to reach a comprehensive settlement, " he said.

He stressed "that such a settlement will be based on Security Council resolutions, which call for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal Republic of Cyprus, with a single sovereignty, citizenship and international personality, comprising two politically equal communities."

Referring to the current fourth round of proximity talks, Mr Kasoulides said that the Greek Cypriot side has come to these talks with flexibility and with the political will to reach a solution as prescribed by the UN.

"The Turkish side must realize that a solution must be mutually acceptable, based on international law and must not insist on imposing its will and on a solution based on faits accomplis," he said.

(The full text of Mr Kasoulides' speech can be found at the Special Issues section)

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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