UN SC members active as regards Cyprus issue, reveals Cyprus President

UN Security Council powers are not merely good listeners but are making an effort as regards the Cyprus issue, Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades said on Thursday evening.

He was replying to a question during a press conference after his speech before the UN General Assembly, but he did not wish to go into further detail.

We are doing our outmost with a view of creating a new dynamic and of giving the negotiation process the necessary boost, he said, adding that any further comment on the matter would not be helpful.

President Anastasiades was also asked whether there has been any coordination between Cyprus and Turkey, in view of the fact that there was a change in tone in both his address and that of the Turkish President’s.

We are trying hard to cooperate, to find ways of opening new avenues of communication which will likely lead us to a successful conclusion, he replied.

He reiterated what he stated before the UN General Assembly that he is determined and he has a vision to see his country reunified, creating a ‘win-win situation’ for all Cypriot citizens, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

Replying to questions on his proposal for the return of the fenced – off part of Famagusta, known as Varosha, which remains a ghost town since the Turkish invasion of 1974, he said that for a long time there has been no progress and that people’s patience wears thin. There are many who do not believe that there can be a ray of hope on the matter, he added.

Noting that the Cyprus issue was not on the election agenda of Presidential elections in Cyprus last February and of the so called elections in the occupied areas, he stressed that a new momentum is needed.

The message must be conveyed that this time we are serious about things, that we will not merely repeat ourselves, we will not enter talks for the sake of talks and we will not follow the path of a blame game.

This is not my intention, he said, adding that he expects that equally his compatriots would not behave in such a manner.

Replying to another question as to when his proposal on Varosha could be implemented, he said that if it was up to him it could start from tomorrow onwards.

However, he noted that the matter is still in the process of negotiations.

The message we are trying to convey is that it would be something beneficial for everyone and that it does not concern only Varosha, he said, adding that it would be helpful for all Cypriots.

At the same time he presented the main axis of his proposal which provides for the return of the city to is lawful residents, the opening up of its port under EU aegis, the unfreezing of Turkey’s EU accession course chapters and the opening up by Turkey of its ports and airports to Cypriot vessels and aircraft.

Replying to a question on natural gas resources within Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) he said that they are not on the negotiating table.

Natural wealth belongs to the state and will be used for the benefit of all Cypriot citizens after the solution, he noted, adding however that before a solution is reached, the matter is not under negotiation.

President Anastasiades also said that he is trying to persuade Turkish Cypriots and Turkey that a brave step is needed by all in order to achieve  the desired effect, that is to say a new dynamic and a new boost for the beginning of a fresh round of talks.

He finally said that negotiations should be prepared well in advance and a series of issues should be agreed upon, giving the example of a possible joint statement on the framework and the basis on which the two sides will negotiate.

Cyprus was divided in 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

Dubbed a “ghost town”, Famagusta’s fenced off section – called Varosha – remains to this day deserted, abandoned to the elements.

Efforts over the years for the legitimate citizens of Famagusta to return to the city have met the refusal of the Turkish side.

A new effort has been launched recently by President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades, who submitted a proposal for the return of Famagusta and the use of its port by the Turkish Cypriots for exports to EU countries.

The President believes this would help build confidence, proving that the two communities on the island could coexist peacefully in conditions of prosperity and peace.

Previous UN led efforts to reunite the country have failed.  A fresh round of talks is expected to resume in the autumn.