[PIO] Statements by the President of the Republic on the Cyprus problem

Those who seek through certain actions to create a climate of polarization and tension do not reflect the desire of the overwhelming majority of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots who want the reunification of our land on the basis of the agreed framework, President of the Republic Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, asked to comment on the incident at the mosque in Limassol: "it is important that he is in Cyprus and these meetings will take place. You understand that he is coming on behalf of the United Nations Secretary General on the occasion of the United Nations General Assembly, in order to specifically explore the prospects for the resumption of the talks.

And I consider his presence important, it is also an indication of the importance that the Secretary General himself attaches to it. Of course, what matters most is that there are results. Our own readiness, our own will is given, it is recognized by the international community, and I think that a first important step will be the appointment by the Secretary General of an envoy on the Cyprus issue to explore the prospects for the resumption of the talks. After all, this is also the call of the United Nations Security Council, and we will discuss all this with the Assistant Secretary-General and, of course, everything we saw in Pyla last week, the unacceptable Turkish actions that were in fact aimed at extending the occupation.

Our reaction, the way we approached the issue, I think, taking into account the condemnation by the international community, is an indication of both the recognition of our constructive position, but also of our real will, so that there will be developments in the direction of a solution to the Cyprus problem."

Asked to comment on Tatar's statements on Pyla, but also on the incident in Limassol, at the mosque, and on a journalist's remark that some people are trying to create a difficult climate, the President of the Republic said: "they are attempting to create a negative climate, so we have to be very careful. What happened yesterday in Limassol is reprehensible, does not fit into any logic and of course does not correspond to the feelings of the Greek Cypriots towards the Turkish Cypriots. I personally have no information at this time as to the motives behind this action which we condemn and I have given instructions for its immediate investigation.

Those who seek through such actions to create a climate of polarization, a climate of tension certainly do not reflect the desire of the overwhelming majority of the Cypriot people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, who desire the reunification of our country on the basis of the agreed framework. And we will continue to do everything possible in this direction."

Asked if there are any indications on the issue of appointing an envoy of the UN Secretary General, the President of the Republic said: "it is important that the Permanent Members of the Security Council, some of them more so, have already begun to discuss various names that can assume this important role. That is why I said before that what matters is that there is a result."

(PM/MB)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source

[/URL][/P]
Source[/P]