Cyprus PIO: Message of the President Mr Glafcos Clerides on the UDI, 96-11-14

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

Thursday 14/11/1996

MESSAGE BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC Mr GLAFCOS CLERIDES ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE DECLARATION OF THE TURKISH CYPRIOT PSEUDO-STATE

Turkey is the only country to recognize the Turkish Cypriot pseudo-state, violating in this way not only the UN resolutions but also the Treaty of Guarantee, whereby Greece, Turkey and the U.K. guarantee, inter alia, the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. In doing so, the Turkish side in essence also blocks a solution to the problem, as the UN Secretary General himself pointed out in his report dated May 30, 1994. In that report the Secretary General says that the absence of agreement is due essentially to the lack of political will on the Turkish Cypriot side.

Since then all the efforts of the Turkish Cypriot side aim at securing international recognition of the Turkish Cypriot pseudo-state.

This is the reason why we are insisting on arrangements that would guarantee the unity of the future Cyprus state, which would emerge from an agreement between the two sides.

The Cyprus government, cooperating with sincerity with the representatives of the UN Secretary General, the permanent members of the Security Council and the European Union, has concentrated its efforts on the search for a solution that would be to the benefit of all the legitimate citizens of Cyprus -Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins.

We pin great hopes on the new initiative expected to take place at the beginning of 1997 on the part of the United States, Britain and the European Union. We are studiously and methodically preparing ourselves so as to respond with courage, imagination and responsibility to the new initiative and we fervently wish for it to be successful. Both the countries that are about to undertake this initiative and the United Nations acknowledge our sincerity and goodwill.

However, it is not enough that our side along desires a solution. The Turkish side should also genuinely want it. The question is whether the Turkish side has acquired the political will for a solution, which the Secretary-General himself has said it lacks? This will surely become evident in the coming months. I believe that now is the time for foreigners who are interested in Cyprus to help, so that when the time comes for direct negotiations, the Turkish side will have the political will it is lacking.

Finding common ground on the basic issues would be proof of the existence of political will on the Turkish side to ensure the success of the negotiations. The international factor is already moving in this direction.

A correct solution to the Cyprus problem, which ensures the unity of the new Cyprus Republic would put an end to the present uncertainty and would create the prospects for a permanent and harmonious co-existence of all Cypriots in the bosom of the European Union of which we aspire to become a member.

The policy of our side aims at achieving a solution the outlines of which have already been charted. This policy which has been charted with a high sense of responsibility and is being consistently followed by our side is based on the two high level agreements of 1977 and 1979 and the UN resolutions. This basis for a solution to the Cyprus problem has been adopted by the National Council.

The responsibility for the handling of our national issue rests with the Cyprus government, which formulates its policy taking into account the views of the National Council and always cooperating closely with the Greek government. The Cyprus government which has a clear and full picture of the situation, circumstances and prospects concerning the Cyprus problem, is in the best position to make the right assessment and decide on the most appropriate way of handling and furthering it. No one else should take actions which adversely affect our policy on the Cyprus question and in the final analysis harm our national cause.

I do not question the patriotism, good faith or national motives of any Greek Cypriot. But these qualities do not necessarily promote a national cause. A mistaken action may cause enormous damage to a national issue, regardless of the good intentions and noble motives behind it.

Many times in the past the Greek Cypriot people have paid dearly for the mistaken actions of organised groups or individuals who did not have the responsibility for the handling of our national problem. As the Greek Cypriot people can no longer afford such experiments and adventures, the government is determined not to allow anybody, through irresponsible actions, to jeopardise its own responsible handlings.

I call upon all those planning to stage events or take actions related to the Cyprus problem, before doing so to consult with the authorities in order to be aware of the governmen's position. But I emphatically stress that they will meet with our refusal and the legitimate reaction of the state if we disagree with their actions.

We have a responsibility towards our people to implement our policy for the salvation and vindication of this martyred country, overcoming the obstacles we find before us.

As I said earlier our policy is charted after listening to the views expressed in the National Council and in close cooperation with the Greek government. We are determined to implement this policy seriously and responsibly without resorting to populism and demagogy.

In conclusion, I would like to express the wish that these events condemning the proclamation of the Turkish Cypriot pseudo-state will be the last. I sincerely hope that next year we may celebrate the reunification of Cyprus, currently the only divided country in Europe.

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