Cyprus Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Britain

President Dimitris Christofias satisfied with his meeting with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown
Nicosia.- (CNA) – Cyprus President Demetris Christofias has expressed his satisfaction with the results of his working visit to London. Christofias said he was satisfied both with the climate and with the results of his meetings while referring to the memorandum of understanding which he signed with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown he said that the signing of this memorandum “creates the preconditions to open an new chapter and can become a turning point for the further development of the relations between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Cyprus,” he noted.

He said that his meeting with Brown took place in a friendly climate, a climate of understanding that has been expressed in the document that we have signed, the memorandum of understanding. This document outlines a comprehensive policy both of Britain and of Cyprus on the Cyprus question , on questions regarding our joint action in the EU concerning issues related to our bilateral relations,” he added.

Christofias said that his meetings with the British Foreign Secretary, the leader of the opposition and the Commonwealth Secretary General were also fruitful.

Invited to comment statements by the spokesman of Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, Hasan Ercakica, who said that “the memorandum is unacceptable” and that it includes ideals and approaches “contrary to the agreements of March 21st and March 23rd”, President Christofias noted that Ercakica is spokesman of the Turkish Cypriot community and that he himself has visited London as President of the Republic of Cyprus and concluded an agreement between two equal EU member states.”

“I regret that the memorandum between the Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom does not satisfy Mr. Ercakica and Mr. Talat. But this concerns them and the way they see a possible settlement of the Cyprus question,” he said.

Christofias noted that “it is clear that we have a long way ahead of us, that we disagree on the basis of a Cyprus settlement. The basis on which the Cyprus problem will be solved is that described by the UN resolutions, the high level agreements and the memorandum of understanding between the Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom has reaffirmed nothing much or nothing less,” he added.

Invited to say if the stance of the Turkish Cypriot side will affect the course of the work of the technical committees and the working groups, Christofias said that “normally it must not. If they persist on this position surely we will have problem but normally we should not,” he added.

Invited to comment a statement by Nicolas Sarkozy, who said that it is high time that the wall of Nicosia falls, that no one can be satisfied as long as this wall still exists, and that France will do its outmost in the framework of the UN so that current initiatives move forward, Christofias aid that “what Sarkozy has said is right.”

He said that “given the fact that the French are not satisfied with this situation and the existence of this wall I wish and hope that there are no Cypriots which are satisfied. And I wish and hope to join our forces so that this unacceptable situation in Cyprus, with the presence of so many occupation troops which have created this division wall and maintain it, is terminated,” he concluded.

THE MEMORANDUM
According to the Memorandum, both countries commit themselves to working together to reunify the island. The aim is a comprehensive and durable settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation and political equality, as defined by the relevant UN resolutions and the principles upon which the EU is founded.

This settlement must be based on a single sovereignty, international personality and a single citizenship.

Both countries support the ongoing process under the good offices of the UNSG, including the move to full negotiations on a date agreed by the two leaders.

The Memorandum notes that the UK and the Republic of Cyprus will work together with the UN and with relevant support from the EU to ensure the successful conclusion to the ongoing process and the achievement of an agreed, negotiated solution, between the two communities as soon as possible.

The two countries also reiterate their commitment to their respective obligations under the Treaties singed in 1960.

The UK reiterates its commitment to its obligations as a Guarantor Power. The UK will continue fully to respect existing UN resolutions on Cyprus, including UNGCRs 541 and 550. Therefore, the UK will not support any moves towards the partition of the island or the recognition or upgrading of any separate political entity on the island.

In addition, the two countries will continue to work together in a constructive manner on all issues emanating from the Treaty of Establishment.

The UK and the Republic of Cyprus reaffirm their support for measures aimed at the economic integration of the island in accordance with the 26 of April 2004 EU Council Conclusions and helping to prepare the Turkish Cypriot community for reunification and the full application of the acquis communautaire on the basis of Protocol 10 of the Treaty of Accession.

The UK commends the measures taken and proposed by the Republic of Cyprus for the benefit of the Turkish Cypriot community and it will work with the Republic of Cyprus to help promote further contact between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities in order to support the reunification of the island.

The UK recognises the positive proposal made by the Republic of Cyprus towards the establishment of an accreditation process for enabling the Turkish Cypriot higher education institutions to participate in international cooperation programmes.

The UK also undertakes to continue to inform its citizens on the legal situation prevailing in Cyprus regarding the properties issue and relevant ECHR judgments.

The Republic of Cyprus and the UK will establish a programme of bilateral cooperation on a range of priority issues. These include Education and Health – schools, higher education, technical, vocational education and training-, Police and Security Issues, – organised crime, counterterrorism, illegal immigration, road safety and football hooliganism-, and Economic and Commercial Issues like competitiveness, research and development, financial services, energy and environment.

They will establish closer dialogue in Brussels, London and Nicosia on EU issues where they have shared interests.

The UK will offer its experience as Cyprus prepares for its EU presidency in 2012.

The two countries will hold a regular dialogue on EU – Turkey, where they share the objective of full membership once full conditions have been met. Both countries agree on the need for Turkey to fulfill its outstanding obligations towards all member states in accordance with the Negotiating Framework and the 21st September 2005 EU Declaration. The two countries will pursue dialogue by discussing issues relating to the negotiations at an early stage to clarify and resolve outstanding difficulties.

This programme action will be delivered through six-monthly reviews at Ministerial level in Nicosia or London.

The UK commends the leaders of the two communities on the process agreed on 21st March and 23rd May.