President of the Republic Demetris Christofias has pointed out that the solution of the Cyprus problem depends above all on Turkey, which unfortunately, with its negative stance, does not leave room for a solution.

The President has assured that “we, however, do not remain idle, on the contrary we are working intensively to pave the way for a settlement.“

In an address read out on his behalf by Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou at the 2nd Pan-Karpass Scientific Conference, President Christofias said that “we are utilising the presence of the Republic of Cyprus in the EU in order to exert influence and pressure on Turkey so that it revises its stance and cooperates for a solution based on UN resolutions.“

“It is exactly this that the European Council calls on Turkey to do through its decisions,“ he noted.

He assured that “we continue to attend the negotiations with goodwill, realism based on principles, and always consistent with the agreed basis of negotiations,“ adding that, “if the other side works with the same will and consistency as we do, then the way to the solution can open and we can reach a solution soon.“

President Christofias pointed out that “division is a disaster,“ adding that, “despite the difficulties we are facing, there is no other option than to continue efforts to reach a solution.“

He said the basis for a solution was the bizonal, bicommunal federation, adding that “in the context of this solution, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus can be restored.“

Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, President Christofias and Dervis Eroglu, are currently engaged in UN-led negotiations, with an aim to reunify the island. In early July, they are to meet with the UN Secretary General in a bid to make headway towards a political settlement