President Papadopoulos Sends Clear Message Regarding Cyprus Solution

NICOSIA (ANA/A.Panagopoulos/G.Leonidas)
“We are going through a period full of potential developments, which with the right handlings, the unity of the people and the most valuable contribution and support of Greece, can open the way towards a dignified, albeit painful compromise, and towards a viable solution to the Cyprus problem,” Tassos Papadopoulos, President of the Republic of Cyprus, said on Friday during the official dinner he hosted in honour of visiting Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.

Papadopoulos spoke of modifications and improvements, within the framework and philosophy of the Annan Plan, without referring to specific changes. “We want to be able to be a constructive partner, not a bothersome member of the EU,” he said. “We do not regret saying ‘no’ to a bad solution, but we are unhappy that we didn’t have the option of saying ‘yes’ to a good solution,” he added.

The government of Cyprus in principle supports Turkey’s candidacy to join the European Union, Papadopoulos said, adding that Turkey should at the same time recognise, understand, accept and comply with its obligations towards the European Union and all its member states, including Cyprus.

”Part of these obligations is the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus, the withdrawal of the occupation troops and settlers, the end of the organised new wave of settlers, avoiding hostile actions against Cyprus, like the obstruction of the participation of the Republic in international organisations and international treaties”, he said.

“Despite the fact that the popular verdict is still fresh, it is my belief that the Greek-Cypriot citizen is ready – as he/she has proven through his/her maturity to date – and steadily oriented towards a functional solution to the anachronistic Cyprus problem,” Karamanlis said.

“I agree that you are asked to make very difficult decisions for a painful – as you termed it – compromise which will lead to a just and viable solution within the framework of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation, which will be based on the UN Secretary General’s plan,” he added. “Despite the difficulty of the international conjuncture, we must clarify that our vision is that of a free and united Cyprus Republic. In light of the new facts, level-headedness, concentration, clear thinking, and most of all agreement are required,” Karamanlis said.

Referring to Turkey’s European course, he said ”we support Turkey’s European orientation, which is, after all, our strategic choice”.

He added ”Turkey’s course towards Europe, which is expected to be a long one, depends on her attitude. The respect of the rules of international law and the acquis communautaire is sine qua non if Turkey is to be accepted in Europe.”

Earlier in the evening, Karamanlis met with the leaders and representatives of Cyprus’ parliamentary parties, and had the chance to hear their views in the presence of Papadopoulos. The Greek premier also met with Pafos Metropolitan Chryssostomos, who is also presiding over the Holy Synod, and members of the Holy Synod.

PRIVATE MEETING
Speaking after their talks at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, Papadopoulos avoided revealing what stance Cyprus will take on the issue of granting Turkey a date for the start of accession negotiations with the EU, stressing that the decision will be taken, after developments are reviewed at the last moment.

He stressed that although 17 December 2004 is a milestone, it does not mean that efforts end there.

The EU leaders are expected to decide on the issue on 17 December during their Summit. Both Greece and Cyprus are members of the EU.

The two leaders stressed the need for a resumption of efforts to solve the Cyprus problem based on the Annan Plan, provided, as Papadopoulos stated, the relevant amendments and improvements are made to the plan to make it functional and viable.

“The common aim remains the need to solve the Cyprus problem, within the framework of the UN and as a member of the EU”, said Karamanlis, so that Cypriots can live in conditions of security and prosperity and enjoy the fruits of accession to the EU.

Papadopoulos emphasised that the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus is an inherent obligation of all EU member states. Karamanlis underlined that according to the European Committee report, Turkey must proceed with internal reforms – such democratisation, the role of the military, and equality among religious groups.

The two leaders examined issues of common interest in a climate of understanding and cooperation, as they said, and ascertained the excellent level of bilateral relations.

Papadopoulos and Karamanlis also discussed the missing persons issue.