President of the Republic Demetris Christofias reiterated that for as long as his government is still in power, it will not change its policy as regards the Cyprus problem, stressing that a change in the basis of the negotiations, will be disastrous for our country.

Delivering a speech during a dinner hosted by the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK on Monday, the President noted that if the Greek Cypriot side asks for a change of the basis of the negotiations and turns down the bicommunal bizonal federation, this will lead to partition.

He went on to say that the Greek Cypriot side will make mutual concessions at the negotiating table, defending the human rights of the Cyprus people. He also added that due to the Turkish provocative stance, the Cyprus problem has reached a standstill.

The President also said that the government in cooperation with the expatriate organizations in the UK, are joining forces in order to achieve a change in the British policy towards Cyprus, which, he said, favors Turkey.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

The leaders of the two communities are engaged in UN-led talks with the aim to reunite the island under a federal roof.

At the event organised by the National Federation of Cypriots UK their President Peter Droussiotis spoke and welcomed President Christofias to London . President Christofias then awarded Peter Droussiotis an Olympic Silver Olive Branch  which Peter called the Federations Vice Presidents Andreas Papaevripedes, Christodoulos Stylianou and Michael Ellinas to recieve the award with him.

 Photos Gokay