President Demetris Christofias said on Wednesday that the Greek Cypriot side remained unwaveringly dedicated to a viable and functional solution of the Cyprus problem, adding that, if this was not possible, then the side responsible should take the responsibility.
Addressing the 27th Pancyprian Congress of the Cyprus Workers` Confederation (SEK), President Christofias said “we continue efforts with all our might for a Cyprus settlement,“ noting that “division would be destructive for the country, destructive for the people of Cyprus.“
President Christofias assured that “a solution not based on fundamental principles, safeguarding the independence, territorial integrity, single sovereignty, single citizenship and international identity, the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Cypriot citizens, cannot be accepted.“
“Reaching the end does not mean the imposition of any solution. We clarified this during our meeting with the UN Secretary General and I must say that the Secretary General himself was clear on this point. If Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership continue their intransigent and dilatory stance, it is a visible possibility that the end of the road will mean a deadlock or the postponement of the process of direct talks,“ he said.
He added that “this is not our pursuit“ and that the Greek Cypriot side sought a viable and functional solution of the problem.
President also referred to the role of the trade union movement and the global financial crisis, noting that “we have difficult challenges ahead but we also have possibilities,“ which the government would utilise in order to solve the problems.
He also said the government would not decide on issues concerning the workers without prior consultation with the trade unions, adding that the government agreed with the trade union position that the burdens should be justly shared and wealth should contribute to tackling the financial crisis.
President Christofias referred to the problems arising from the crisis and noted that the government has implemented a series of measures to boost development, support sectors that bore the brunt of the crisis, support the vulnerable groups of the population, and enhance employment, in line with EU guidelines.
He added that safeguarding social cohesion, improving social protection, and supporting the financially weak groups of the population were reference points for the government.
Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
