President of the Republic Demetris Christofias has said that during talks for a solution to the Cyprus issue, he is defending principles, pointing out that without them there cannot be a viable and functional solution to the island’s division.

In a speech at the reburial of the remains of Andreas Kesta, killed during the July 1974 military coup against the government of Cyprus, at the church of Agios Nicolaos in Limassol, President Christofias said that Cyprus is stronger at the international field nowadays, something that helps the ongoing efforts.

This, he noted, was the result of continuous initiatives which the government is undertaking on an international level, which “has yielded results, averted negative approaches and created positive prospects”.

“Without being disorientated by the difficulties we are facing, we continue with persistence – respecting the agreed procedure and the basis of the negotiations – to pursue vindication of the struggles and sacrifices of our people. Justice will come only when Turkey’s occupation ends and the country is reunited”, the President stressed.

Referring to the conclusions of a parliamentary committee research on “the File on Cyprus”, recently approved by the House of Representatives, President Christofias said the report brought to light documents and testimonies surrounding the great conspiracy and substantiates everything that the political forces in Cyprus and the people have been saying for years, that the crime against Cyprus and its people was premeditated and NATO, Turkey and the Greek junta played an important role in committing the crime.

President Christofias said the primary obligation toward the country’s heroes is to reverse and avert plans for Cyprus’ division, noting that division is tantamount to the destruction of the people of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

“The only viable solution that will free and unite the island is a bizonal, bicommunal federation, with political equality, as defined by Security Council resolutions. The solution should secure the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Cypriot citizens, and must respect international and European law”, he stressed.

UN-backed direct negotiations between President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu for a solution to the Cyprus problem began in September 2008. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.