The package of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) promoted by Nicosia can build trust and greater cooperation between the two communities and serve as a catalyst in the effort to reach a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said.
He noted that the implementation of these MoUs concerns, inter alia, the enclosed area of Varosha, the airport of Tymbos, the port of Famagusta, as well as issues related to the Cyprus problem in general, and that it will also strengthen our efforts to convince Turkey to refrain from its illegal actions in Varosha and within the maritime zones of Cyprus.
In a speech on Wednesday evening at a reception hosted by the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Cyprus, Elke Merks-Schaapveld, on the occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (King's Day), Mr. Kasoulides also noted that despite Turkey's ongoing provocations, our side remains focused on creating conditions conducive to the resumption of negotiations as soon as possible.
To this end, I have put forward a proposal consisting of Confidence Building Measures from which all sides can benefit, to end the ongoing deadlock and to open the way after a long period for the resumption of peace talks, he noted.
This is the state of play at the moment with regard to the Cyprus problem. What I want to assure you of is my strong commitment and determination to engage once again in results-oriented negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem within the framework of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, he added.
The Foreign Minister also said that Cyprus and the Netherlands are now working together, as partners of the EU, together with other member states, to address our common challenges, to uphold our European values, solidarity and our vision for the future.
At the moment the Union is facing a number of challenges. Our unity to defend our values is needed now more than ever. I refer of course to the Russian intervention in Ukraine and the unprecedented challenges it has created, he noted.
He said that "we stand by Ukraine and its people, conveying our strong support and our strong respect for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine during these difficult times."
Cyprus and our people have their own tragic experiences of a foreign invasion as a result of the illegal Turkish military invasion and occupation of Cyprus since 1974, he noted.
He pointed out that "Turkey is proceeding with its illegal plans and activities in the enclosed area of Varosha, in full defiance of the relevant Security Council resolutions, despite the strong condemnation by the international community, the UN and our EU partners."
Moreover, he reaffirmed the excellent level of bilateral relations between Cyprus and the Netherlands.
He pointed out that the two countries have established a concrete and close cooperation in various fields, which is reflected in the political and economic level, but also in people-to-people contacts.
The strong bonds of friendship between our countries and peoples have always been based on common democratic values and respect for human rights and the rule of law, he added.
He said that the Netherlands is a valuable partner for Cyprus and has demonstrated its commitment to stand by the Cypriot people by making remarkable contributions to the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) as well as to the Committee of Inquiry on Missing Persons (CMP).
"Thank you once again for your support in our efforts to achieve a viable and comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem that will end the ongoing Turkish occupation, restore and ensure that all Cypriots enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms."
Source: CNA
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