President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades has made it clear once again that he won`t return to the negotiating table to solve the Cyprus problems as long as the Turkish violation of the sovereignty of the Republic continues.
President Anastasiades said in a written statement that during his today`s meeting with the leaders of the political parties he briefed them in detail about the developments concerning Turkey`s unacceptable violations of the sovereignty rights of the Republic by issuing a NAVTEX.
Nicos Anastasiades reiterated the often- expressed position of the Greek Cypriot side which can be summarized as follows: “As long as the violation of the sovereignty rights of Cyprus continues my participation in the pre-set dialogue to solve the Cyprus problem is impossible”.
He repeated the basic law principle that the natural wealth of the country belongs to the state and that each government has the responsibility for its management for the benefit of all legal residents of the country.
Therefore, he added, actions questioning the sovereignty rights of the Republic under the pretext of protecting the rights of Turkish Cypriots, not only are contrary to international law, but also they are non valid.
“It is as well clear,” he continued, “that the participation of our Turkish Cypriot compatriots in issues related to the management and exploitation of the country`s natural wealth presumes
the solution of the Cyprus problem based on what has hitherto been agreed”.
“It is equally understandable,” the President said, “that all the pending issues which have not been agreed could be discussed during the final stage of negotiations when the Maps concerning the territorial are submitted and the dialogue would be in the final course towards a solution.
In conclusion he reiterated the position “that the natural wealth is the strongest incentiv for a meaningful dialogue, away from any threats or blackmail in order to find as soon as possible a mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus problem which would benefit both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots but also all the countries in the region, inclusing Turkey.
The issue of a Turkish NAVTEX from October 20 to December 30 reserving a large swathe inside Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for seismic surveys prompted President Anastasiades to suspend his participation in the UN-backed negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem.
Article written by CNA
