Statements by the Turkish Cypriot side that the two sides are ready to engage in a ‘give and take’ process, in an effort to create a general euphoria in the international community about the progress of the negotiations, are far from the truth, said Ioannis Kasoulides in a speech in London on Tuesday evening.
He was addressing an audience of British parliamentarians and mostly young British Cypriots at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, during an event organised by the World Federation of Young Cypriots Abroad (NEPOMAK) and British MPs, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of Cyprus’ accession to the EU.
In his reference to the talks for a settlement to the Cyprus issue, Kasoulides added that the screening process which the two negotiators recently completed revealed a “significant distance separating” the two sides on many issues. “Therefore, any attempt to present a rosy picture of the current state of play of the negotiations is only smokescreen to mask the maximalistic positions that the Turkish Cypriot side submits to the negotiating table,” said the Minister.
With regard to the future of the negotiations, he pointed to the 6th of May, when an in-depth discussion and negotiation on each individual chapter will start, in line with the interdependent and parallel approach envisioned in the Joint Declaration.
In his speech, Kasoulides said that the Cypriot government has worked on four interconnected fronts. First the Joint Declaration which was eventually signed between President Anastasiades and Dr Eroglu, then to actively involve Turkey into the process – something that was achieved when Turkey welcomed in Ankara the Greek Cypriot negotiator for talks, thirdly the upgrading of the European Union role in the negotiations and lastly the promotion of Confidence Building Measures.
As far as the EU is concerned, Ioannis Kasoulides noted that the Turkish Cypriot side has been against the upgrading of its role, as an observer. At the same time, though, they are attempting “to give the impression that they are holding, as a separate entity, direct negotiations with the European Commission.” He noted that while Cyprus supports the familiarisation of the Turkish Cypriot community with the EU and the acquis, this must be done in a way that does not imply recognition of illegitimate structures.
Speaking about the island’s economy, Kasoullides said that Cyprus has been able to withstand the shock of the “regretful” bail-in and it is now “on the way to recovery.” He added that the Cyprus program remains on track, while at the same time structural reforms are advancing.
Ioannis Kasoulides referred to the reorientation of the foreign policy of Cyprus, based on a comprehensive and extrovert approach. He stressed the country’s geostrategic role, which has been upgraded by its value as a safe haven in a volatile region and also by the discovery of hydrocarbon deposits.
The Foreign Minister commented on the “strong, pragmatic and deeply founded relationship of decisive potential, based on reciprocity,” between Cyprus and the UK. He said that these links are further enhanced through active political cooperation within the EU. “Cyprus, in 90% of the voting occasion in the Council of the EU in recent years, has in fact voted in identical manner as the UK,” mentioned Mr Kasoulides, adding that this was one of the reasons why Cyprus wishes to see the UK remain in the EU as an active partner.
“The excellent relationship that our two countries enjoy was reaffirmed last January during the official visit of President Anastasiades to London and the Joint Communiqué that was issued following the meeting with Prime Minister Cameron. On the bilateral front, our relationship is entering a phase of revival, as we focus in investing in areas of practically mutual value, such as long term growth, energy cooperation, boosting tourism, encouraging entrepreneurial initiatives and public sector reform,” said the Foreign Minister referring to the Cyprus-UK relationship.
In a statement to the CNA, NEPOMAK President Christos Karaolis said that British born Cypriots and the organised diaspora, including the young generation, will continue to lobby politicians, decisions makers and stake holders to help find a solution. “Events like these are hugely important to be organised and attended by the younger generation, the British born younger generation, because it is a reminder that the Cyprus issue is not going to go away with the older generation. It is here until is is solved,” said the NEPOMAK President.
Among the official who attended the event were the Members of Parliament Sir Roger Gale, who welcomed the Foreign Minister, Sir Alan Meale, who said in a brief speech that Europe needs Cyprus, Gareth Thomas, David Burrowes, Jim Sheridan, Simon Hughes, Jim Dobbin, Julian Huppert, Sir Gerald Kaufman and Ian Lavery. Also present were the Conservative MEP Marina Yannakoudakis and the Cypriot High Commissioner Evripides Evriviades
