Continuation of De facto Division of Cyprus Constitutes an Anachronism and should be Terminated: Cyprus President

Azerbaijan, Baku, 5 August / corr Trend " A.Gasimova /  Interview of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Demetris Christofias, with Trend

Question: How do you view the future of Cyprus after the unification of the divided island?

Answer: The solution of the Cyprus problem, the termination of the Turkish occupation and the reunification of Cyprus is a dream of life for me.  A just, viable and workable solution is the main target of my government.  The continuation of the de facto division of Cyprus constitutes an anachronism and should be terminated.  At a time when frontiers and dividing lines in the European Union have been abolished, it is indeed queer and inconceivable for any civilized person to tolerate the continuation of the division of Cyprus.

It is in this framework that immediately after my election to the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus I undertook specific initiatives and, together with the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat, we formed the basis and the framework for a new effort to be undertaken, under the auspices of the United Nations, with the aim of reaching an agreed, comprehensive settlement of the political problem of Cyprus as soon as possible.

The benefits from this positive development are obvious, both for the Cypriots themselves and our wider region as well as for the international community in general. My dream is that Cypriots once again become masters of their own fate in this long-suffering island.  All Cypriots, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Armenians, Maronites and Latins have by right their own place in this country.  My commitment is to do everything I can to safeguard a future of peace, security and social welfare for all Cypriots.

Undoubtedly, the future of Cyprus is expected to be bright after the achievement of an agreed, comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem.  I sincerely hope that all of us will contribute in every possible way in order to achieve the reunification of our country.  Our children, the generations to come have the right to enjoy the fruits of a united Cyprus in the European Union.

Question: What benefits could the unification of the island represent for the Turkish - Greek cooperation and economic bonds?

Answer: It is an incontestable fact that in the recent years there has been quite a progress in the Greek - Turkish relations both in the political and mainly in the economic field.  On our part we welcome this progress and hope that the two countries will continue to have the same attitude, thus consolidating the cooperation and friendship between the two peoples even further.

I consider that the Greek-Turkish rapprochement of recent years constitutes a very good development, the dynamic of which creates positive implications for our efforts for reunification of Cyprus as well.

However, I consider that what will really give the necessary impetus for the complete normalization of Greek-Turkish relations is the achievement of a just and lasting solution in Cyprus.  It is commonly accepted that the biggest obstacle in the relations of Greece with Turkey is the occupation of almost 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus by the Turkish troops. Consequently, it is easily understood that the solution of the Cyprus problem will be catalytic for the consolidation of Greek-Turkish friendship and the good neighborly relations between the two countries.

Question: Could the international forces be withdrawn from Cyprus following the unification of the island and what are your views on the solution to refugee problem?   

Answer: Your question is related to the first question, how I imagine a unified Cyprus.  Our firm position, a position of principle I would say, is the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Cyprus when the political problem is solved and the country is reunited.  For the present government of Cyprus the demilitarization of the Republic of Cyprus doesn't constitute a slogan empty of meaning. I do not see any reason why any foreign troops should remain in the reunited Federal Republic of Cyprus, where conditions of peace, cooperation and security will prevail.

It is our position that the solution of the Cyprus problem should restore and safeguard the human rights and the basic freedoms of the whole Cyprus people. Regarding the refugee problem, which constitutes one of the most substantial aspects of the Cyprus problem and is related to the issue of property, we demand that the solution safeguard the right of the refugees to return to their homes and properties.  Especially since the European Union has among its fundamental principles of operation the freedom of movement of capital, labor force and goods, the right of free movement and settlement of European citizens in all member-states, it is unthinkable that there be a flagrant violation of this right for Cypriots in their our country.

Question: What support do you expect from the international community and international organizations after the unification of Cyprus?

Answer: At first I would like to note that we consider it necessary to have the contribution of the international community in a wider sense, and of the United Nations particularly, to the new effort we are undertaking for the achievement of a comprehensive, agreed settlement of the Cyprus problem.

We have agreed with Mr. Talat that the ownership of the new effort will continue to be in the hands of the leaders of the communities. As we have repeatedly stated, our main concern is that the solution be found BY the Cypriots FOR the Cypriots. This is the guideline of our strategy which not only doesn't constrain but it imposes, I would say, to the UN to support the leaders in this direction during the direct negotiations between the two communities which will start at the beginning of next September. 

After the solution of the Cyprus problem, the contribution of the international community and international organizations will certainly be very important in order for the solution to function, especially in the first crucial period. The assistance and contribution of the international community for the reconstruction of occupied towns and regions and the creation, the soonest possible, of conditions of balanced economic and social development in the united federal Cyprus will be significant.

Question: How would you describe the current bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Cyprus?  What are the prospects for cooperation between the two countries? 

Answer: Cyprus wishes for the development of the best and closest possible relations with the countries of the Caucasus.  We note that the EU has included Azerbaijan as a partner in the EU's Neighborhood Policy. The EU, on the basis of the Action Plan, expects Azerbaijan to proceed to the necessary internal reforms as well as to contribute to the consolidation of peace and cooperation in the region.

I believe in the mutual development of our relations with Azerbaijan, an important country in the Caucasus.  The relations of our two countries should be grounded on solid foundations.  This is the only way to safeguard the continuous development of bilateral political and economic relations between the states of the international community.

So, an element necessary for the development of the relations between Cyprus and Azerbaijan is the adherence to the respect of the principles of international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the fundamental human rights and freedoms.  For our part and within the above-mentioned, necessary, framework, we are open for the development of our bilateral cooperation and for assisting the effort made by Baku for further strengthening of the relations between Azerbaijan and the EU. Cyprus has both the means and the ability to play a constructive role in this direction, in the framework of its equal participation in the EU.