Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades has said that the measures taken by Turkey regarding the enclaved, are a source of great concern for all, as they contribute to deepening their feeling of mistrust towards the Turkish side and constitute a blatant violation of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the enclaved.

The decisions, he added, violate the Third Vienna Agreement of 1975, whereby the occupation regime undertook to provide the enclaved population with ‘… every help to lead a normal life, including facilities for education.’

Receiving on Tuesday the credentials of the new Ambassador of the Republic of Austria Eva Maria Ziegler, the President said that “we look to the international community and the Government of Austria to unequivocally reject any actions by Turkey that aim at diverting attention and distancing us from the ultimate goal of a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus Problem and reunifying Cyprus and its people, and of any actions that aim to implement Turkey’s rhetoric of a ‘Plan B’ for the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus, which is EU territory.”

“Unfortunately, it appears that Turkey’s actions and stance have deeply infiltrated the Turkish Cypriot leadership which is adopting a policy, even on humanitarian issues, which further alienates the two communities,” he said.

He also pledged once again that the Greek Cypriot side is  strongly committed to negotiate a solution within the parameters that the Secretary General set, for a viable comprehensive settlement fully in line with European and international law that reunites the country  in a truly independent and sovereign state, free of any third country dependencies.

Presenting her credentials, the Ambassador said that the Government of Austria is committed to further deepening the already strong ties between the two countries, adding that Austria was one of the first countries that participated in the United Nations Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus, with a continuous presence for 45 years.

She added that the mutual understanding and support between Austria and Cyprus in various international fora is an outstanding example for capitalising on the complementary orientation and reciprocity of like-minded countries.

The Ambassador also said that the reunification of the island, reached on the basis of an agreed framework – and with the solid support of the two communities – would be a signal of tantamount importance to Europe and beyond: it would provide living proof that seemingly intractable problems can be resolved, that serious negotiations and the will to compromise can overcome even the toughest kind of adversity. “One Cyprus, whole and free, making the most of the limitless opportunities of this wonderful island for the benefit of all of its inhabitants: that is a powerful vision,” she said.