The Greek Cypriot side strives for a settlement to the Cyprus problem, awaiting the Turkish side to reciprocate showing readiness in taking the necessary decisions, Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou has said.
 
Addressing, on behalf of the President of the Republic, a gathering of refugees from the occupied village of Yialousa, Photiou said “Turkey has great responsibilities for the current unacceptable state of affairs and should assume them.”
 
“Its extortionary tactics, as well as threat by its representatives should stop and with real good will it should contribute to the resumption of the peace talks, following the necessary preparation through cooperation with the UN Secretary-General and his representatives,” he said.
 
Photiou expressed hope that 2019 will bring about the reunification of Cyprus with a solution freeing Cyprus from occupation, safeguarding the basic freedoms and human rights of all lawful citizens of the island.
 
“A settlement without any guarantees and intervention rights by a third country, including Turkey, a functional, viable solution, in line with the international law and the principles and values of the EU,” he said.
 
Jane Holl Lute, the UN Secretary-General’s envoy, is expected to pay another visit to Cyprus at the end of this month, in order to continue deliberations for an agreement on the terms of reference that will pave the way for the resumption of settlement talks.
 
 
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The last round of negotiations, in July 2017, collapsed at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana.