PRESIDENT ANASTASIADES SAYS HE EXPECTS TURKEY TO TAKE CONCRETE STEPS TOWARDS A SOLUTION
Cyprus expects Turkey, which is responsible for the illegal stationing of more than 40.000 occupation troops in Cyprus, to take practical and concrete steps towards a Cyprus solution, particularly during the upcoming Conference of Cyprus, in Geneva, President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades has said.
President Anastasiades expects Turkey to take concrete steps towards a Cyprus solution
Receiving on Monday the credentials of High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda to the Republic of Cyprus, Joseph Rutabana, based in Tel Aviv, the President said that “for the past 18 months a new effort has begun which has provided, I have to admit, positive results. Progress has been achieved in the Chapters of Governance and Power-Sharing, Economy, EU and to a lesser extent the Chapter of Property”, but noted that “despite the remarkable progress achieved, differences remain on a number of issues relating to the Chapters I have mentioned”.
Referring to the meetings to be held in Geneva between 9-11 of January 2017, he said that the aim is to achieve further convergences on the internal aspects of the Cyprus problem.
He added that on 11 January maps will be submitted on territorial adjustments, noting that `progress on the above issues will allow us to come within reach of an agreement by creating the conditions and prospects for a successful conclusion of the multilateral Conference on Cyprus on 12th of January, which will discuss issues that relate to the international aspects of the Cyprus problem, and in particular on the Chapter of Security and Guarantees and ways and means to ensure the smooth implementation of the settlement`.
The President stressed that `at this critical juncture, I wish to reassure of my determination to reach a successful outcome at the negotiations in Geneva, so as to achieve a settlement that will reunify our country and fulfill the vision of the people of Cyprus of building an attractive future for our youth and the generations to come, setting an example for peace-making and enhancing security and stability in our region`.
He underlined that Turkey’s contribution in tangible terms in these negotiations is vital and that there is no solution that can be reached without Turkey’s input.
`We do therefore expect Turkey, which is responsible for the illegal stationing of more than 40.000 occupation troops in Cyprus, to take practical and concrete steps towards this direction, particularly during the upcoming Conference of Cyprus, taking into account not only the benefit of the people of Cyprus, but also the positive impact a settlement will have to regional stability and cooperation` the President of Cyprus said.
Referring to bilateral ties, he said that Cyprus is committed to the enhancement of the political dialogue and cooperation between the EU and Rwanda, as part of a broader EU – Africa partnership, agreed at the 4th EU-Africa Summit in 2014, for effectively dealing today’s common challenges in the fields of security, governance and political stability and economic development.
Presenting his credentials, High Commissioner Rutabana said that his country has been following closely developments regarding the Cyprus situation, including recent talks in Mont Pèlerin.
`The Republic of Rwanda is confident that Cypriots will reach a durable solution to settle the longstanding problem` he said.
He also said that Rwanda proposes a few sectors, on which the two countries can base a strong partnership: Tertiary Education, Agriculture, Energy, Tourism, Mining, Infrastructure development, ICT and Healthcare.
The High Commissioner expressed gratitude to Cyprus for the scholarships offered to Rwandan students in different Cypriot Institutions of Higher Learning.
`We have no doubt whatsoever that the knowledge that those students will acquire, will contribute to the socio-economic development of our country` he concluded.
The Republic of Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. President Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci have been engaged in UN-led talks since May 2015 with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.
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