London Greek Radio

The outcome of the Conference on Cyprus which focused on security and guarantees, which started on Thursday in Geneva, creates the preconditions for a radical change of the security conditions that were in place in 1960, President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Anastasiades, has stressed.

The outcome of the Conference on Cyprus which focused on security and guarantees, which started on Thursday in Geneva, creates the preconditions for a radical change of the security conditions that were in place in 1960, President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Anastasiades, has stressed.

In statements at a press conference in Geneva, President Anastasiades said that the fact that the UN press release, issued after the Conference on Cyprus, clearly describes the intention of the participants (at the Conference) to reach a mutually acceptable solution – as regards the aspect of security and guarantees – that will meet the expectations of both Cypriot communities, but particularly the fact that it is acknowledged that the security of one community cannot constitute a threat for the other community, “create the prospects and the terms of reference for the team of experts to work out new ways that would be acceptable and for radical change of what was in force based on the 1960 guarantees`.

President Anastasiades further said that for the first time a multi-party Conference on Cyprus was convened, in the presence of the EU, on the highest possible level, during which Turkey was for the first time engaged in a dialogue with the Republic of Cyprus, to discuss the abolition of the guarantees and the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation troops from Cyprus.

The presence of Turkish troops in the Republic of Cyprus does not secure conditions of peace, but conditions of instability, the Cypriot President stressed.

Furthermore, he said that what is important is that `we are at the negotiating table with Turkey and the other guarantor powers not to confirm the 1960 Treaties but to find a solution that would meet the concerns of all the people of Cyprus. And the concerns of the Greek Cypriot side are the presence of the occupation army, the Turkish guarantees. That is why the subject of the Conference was the discussion of the security and guarantees issue”.

The President added that the decision to continue the Conference on Cyprus shows that the issue of security and guarantees and the implementation of the solution, constitute the beginning of a substantive dialogue for the achievement of a solution, so that its outcome meets the expectations of the Cypriot people.

He stressed that the only comprehensive proposal which is before the Conference is the proposal submitted by the Greek Cypriot side which served as food for thought for all participants.

On Thursday, he said, `a dialogue began to change everything we knew until today` and added that his proposal includes matters relating to the internal or external security, as projected by the Turkish side, or ensuring a smooth and consistent implementation of what will be agreed or even ensuring constitutional order after the solution.

President Anastasiades noted that for the first time since 1974 the Turkish Cypriot side submitted a map on the territorial adjustments through which there is a significant percentage of Turkish occupied land returned under Greek Cypriot administration.

He stressed that although the map submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side does not meet the Greek Cypriot side`s expectations, nevertheless, bearing in mind the Greek Cypriot side`s proposal on territorial adjustments, it constitutes the basis for negotiation. He also said that the maps that have been published by some media are not the ones that are kept by the UN.

Invited to say when he believes that a final agreement will be found, he pointed out that never before have we had a discussion on the territory in the form it is discussed today and the submission of maps on behalf of the Turkish side, never before have we had Turkey sitting on the same table with the Republic of Cyprus, the Greek Cypriot side, the Turkish Cypriot side and the EU to discuss abolition, amendment, or withdrawal of its occupation troops.

`So, we are on a track that creates hope but this depends on the positions of each side`, he pointed out.

Replying to journalists` questions, the President said that there is no final date as regards the work that the working group of deputies on security and guarantees that will commence on 18 January to identify specific questions and the instruments needed to address them.

“This is the beginning of the dialogue”, he said, adding that the committee that has been established to examine the concerns and probably some suggested solutions, could lead to a conference on political level, on the highest maybe level, to discuss the decision. If there is no conclusion on that day, he said, then the dialogue will continue to achieve a convergence.

Moreover, he stressed that there is no difference of approach between Nicosia and Athens and warmly thanked the Greek government and the Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias for their excellent cooperation and support. He also thanked the UNSG, the EU Commission President and the EU High Representative, the political party leaders, his negotiating team and the Media for the coverage.

The reason why the Conference on Cyprus did not continue on Friday as well, is due to the fact that the Turkish Foreign Minister had to leave earlier for Turkey for internal issues, the Cypriot President said.

Asked if there is hope for a solution in Cyprus, he said that if Turkey did not want to cooperate, it would not have been present at the negotiating table. Hope is one thing and final outcome is an other thing, he said.

Replying to an other question, he said that if Greece and Turkey insisted on their positions there would not be any reason to establish a committee that will examine all aspects o the security issues, nor would there be a decision on behalf of the parties to discuss in order to reach mutually acceptable solutions, meaning that the Republic of Cyprus or the concerns of the Greek Cypriot community can not be ignored.

Referring to the EU role, he said that the EU will surely have a word so that the agreement reached will be compatible with the European acquis and the security policies of the Union.

During the Conference on Cyprus, he said, it was underlined that Cyprus is an EU member state and will always have this capacity thus the EU has a role to play. Asked if the EU can offer security, he said `of course it can` if and when there is such an agreement.

The Treaty on Guarantees, he noted, is a four – party treaty, but in essence a two-party treaty, between the Republic of Cyprus and the three guarantor powers (Greece, UK and Turkey).

President Anastasiades noted that the discussion on the internal aspects of the Cyprus issue and the aspect of security and guarantees give a momentum to the process. There are issues, he said, that will depend on the results of the discussion on security and guarantees, as well as on the progress on the territory chapter.

He defended his decision on the 1st of December 2016 for the Geneva talks to resume in January (9-11 of January on internal aspects of the Cyprus issue and 12 of January for the Conference on Cyprus to take place).

President Anastasiades said that his decision aimed at two goals, firstly to avoid a protracted stalemate and to finally determine the intentions of Turkish Cypriot side and especially Ankara`s intentions, regarding the chapters on territory and security and guarantees.

The outcome of the Geneva Conference reaffirmed that his decision on the 1st of December was the right one, he said, adding that through the dialogue in Geneva there has been further progress on the first four chapters of the Cyprus talks. But he pointed out that this progress does not entirely meet the expectations of the Greek Cypriot side.

In statements at a press conference in Geneva, President Anastasiades said that the fact that the UN press release, issued after the Conference on Cyprus, clearly describes the intention of the participants (at the Conference) to reach a mutually acceptable solution – as regards the aspect of security and guarantees – that will meet the expectations of both Cypriot communities, but particularly the fact that it is acknowledged that the security of one community cannot constitute a threat for the other community, “create the prospects and the terms of reference for the team of experts to work out new ways that would be acceptable and for radical change of what was in force based on the 1960 guarantees`.

President Anastasiades further said that for the first time a multi-party Conference on Cyprus was convened, in the presence of the EU, on the highest possible level, during which Turkey was for the first time engaged in a dialogue with the Republic of Cyprus, to discuss the abolition of the guarantees and the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation troops from Cyprus.

The presence of Turkish troops in the Republic of Cyprus does not secure conditions of peace, but conditions of instability, the Cypriot President stressed.

Furthermore, he said that what is important is that `we are at the negotiating table with Turkey and the other guarantor powers not to confirm the 1960 Treaties but to find a solution that would meet the concerns of all the people of Cyprus. And the concerns of the Greek Cypriot side are the presence of the occupation army, the Turkish guarantees. That is why the subject of the Conference was the discussion of the security and guarantees issue”.

The President added that the decision to continue the Conference on Cyprus shows that the issue of security and guarantees and the implementation of the solution, constitute the beginning of a substantive dialogue for the achievement of a solution, so that its outcome meets the expectations of the Cypriot people.

He stressed that the only comprehensive proposal which is before the Conference is the proposal submitted by the Greek Cypriot side which served as food for thought for all participants.

On Thursday, he said, `a dialogue began to change everything we knew until today` and added that his proposal includes matters relating to the internal or external security, as projected by the Turkish side, or ensuring a smooth and consistent implementation of what will be agreed or even ensuring constitutional order after the solution.

President Anastasiades noted that for the first time since 1974 the Turkish Cypriot side submitted a map on the territorial adjustments through which there is a significant percentage of Turkish occupied land returned under Greek Cypriot administration.

He stressed that although the map submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side does not meet the Greek Cypriot side`s expectations, nevertheless, bearing in mind the Greek Cypriot side`s proposal on territorial adjustments, it constitutes the basis for negotiation. He also said that the maps that have been published by some media are not the ones that are kept by the UN.

Invited to say when he believes that a final agreement will be found, he pointed out that never before have we had a discussion on the territory in the form it is discussed today and the submission of maps on behalf of the Turkish side, never before have we had Turkey sitting on the same table with the Republic of Cyprus, the Greek Cypriot side, the Turkish Cypriot side and the EU to discuss abolition, amendment, or withdrawal of its occupation troops.

`So, we are on a track that creates hope but this depends on the positions of each side`, he pointed out.

Replying to journalists` questions, the President said that there is no final date as regards the work that the working group of deputies on security and guarantees that will commence on 18 January to identify specific questions and the instruments needed to address them.

“This is the beginning of the dialogue”, he said, adding that the committee that has been established to examine the concerns and probably some suggested solutions, could lead to a conference on political level, on the highest maybe level, to discuss the decision. If there is no conclusion on that day, he said, then the dialogue will continue to achieve a convergence.

Moreover, he stressed that there is no difference of approach between Nicosia and Athens and warmly thanked the Greek government and the Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias for their excellent cooperation and support. He also thanked the UNSG, the EU Commission President and the EU High Representative, the political party leaders, his negotiating team and the Media for the coverage.

The reason why the Conference on Cyprus did not continue on Friday as well, is due to the fact that the Turkish Foreign Minister had to leave earlier for Turkey for internal issues, the Cypriot President said.

Asked if there is hope for a solution in Cyprus, he said that if Turkey did not want to cooperate, it would not have been present at the negotiating table. Hope is one thing and final outcome is an other thing, he said.

Replying to an other question, he said that if Greece and Turkey insisted on their positions there would not be any reason to establish a committee that will examine all aspects o the security issues, nor would there be a decision on behalf of the parties to discuss in order to reach mutually acceptable solutions, meaning that the Republic of Cyprus or the concerns of the Greek Cypriot community can not be ignored.

Referring to the EU role, he said that the EU will surely have a word so that the agreement reached will be compatible with the European acquis and the security policies of the Union.

During the Conference on Cyprus, he said, it was underlined that Cyprus is an EU member state and will always have this capacity thus the EU has a role to play. Asked if the EU can offer security, he said `of course it can` if and when there is such an agreement.

The Treaty on Guarantees, he noted, is a four – party treaty, but in essence a two-party treaty, between the Republic of Cyprus and the three guarantor powers (Greece, UK and Turkey).

President Anastasiades noted that the discussion on the internal aspects of the Cyprus issue and the aspect of security and guarantees give a momentum to the process. There are issues, he said, that will depend on the results of the discussion on security and guarantees, as well as on the progress on the territory chapter.

He defended his decision on the 1st of December 2016 for the Geneva talks to resume in January (9-11 of January on internal aspects of the Cyprus issue and 12 of January for the Conference on Cyprus to take place).

President Anastasiades said that his decision aimed at two goals, firstly to avoid a protracted stalemate and to finally determine the intentions of Turkish Cypriot side and especially Ankara`s intentions, regarding the chapters on territory and security and guarantees.

The outcome of the Geneva Conference reaffirmed that his decision on the 1st of December was the right one, he said, adding that through the dialogue in Geneva there has been further progress on the first four chapters of the Cyprus talks. But he pointed out that this progress does not entirely meet the expectations of the Greek Cypriot side.

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Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci discussed on Tuesday morning in Geneva four pending issues of the chapter of Governance in the framework of their UN-led negotiations on the Cyprus problem, which continue here from January 9-11.

Among these issues were the participation and the decision making process for the federal institutions and the amendment of the constitution.

A Greek Cypriot side source has described once again the issues being discussed as “very difficult”, adding however that there are prospects for progress in one of the aforementioned issues, while others are more difficult.

It also noted that there are aspects addressed at the negotiations which will affect all issues under discussion, if they are solved, both in the Chapters of Governance and Property.

Such issues are the Turkish Cypriots` effective participation which is related to the chapter of Governance and the treatment of Turkish Cypriots, Turkish settlers and citizens from third countries as regards the property issue. With regard to this issue, there is disagreement between the Turkish Cypriot and the Greek Cypriot sides as the latter believes that these three categories of people should be addressed on a different basis. If this issue is settled, then 80% of the property issues will have been solved, the same source has indicated.

As regards the issue of the international Conference on Security and the Guarantees that will begin in Geneva on January 12, it noted that as things stand right now there will be a representation at Foreign Ministers level.

The same source also said that during his meeting with the National Council on Monday evening President Anastasiades said that he had on Monday afternoon a very good and constructive discussion with Akinci on the Security and Guarantee issue and that the intention is to address concerns being raised.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.
Anastasiades and Akinci have been engaged in UN-led negotiations since May 2015 with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.

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The UK is working with the United Nations to retain momentum in bringing lasting peace to Cyprus, British Minister of State responsible for Europe and the Americas, Sir Alan Duncan has said.

Duncan met on Wednesday with the UN top envoy on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide in Greece.

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci are about to meet in Geneva Switzerland on January 9-11 in the context of the UN-sponsored talks to discuss all outstanding issues for a Cyprus settlement and exchange maps. On January 12 a conference on Cyprus will be convened in the presence of the guarantor powers (Greece, Turkey and the UK) and other relevant parties as needed to discuss the issue of guarantees and security.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. President Anastasiades and Mustafa Akinci have been engaged in UN-backed talks since May 2015 with a view to reunify the island under a federal roof.

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Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has asked British Prime Minister Theresa May for her support in the effort to find a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of UN resolutions and the acquis communautaire.

According to an announcement released from his press office, the Greek Prime Minister had a telephone conversation with Great Britain`s Prime Minister Theresa May.

“The Prime Minister outlined analytically Greece`s positions on the current developments of the Cyprus problem, in view of the multilateral conference in Geneva,” the press release says.

It adds that Tsipras requested May`s “support for a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of UN resolutions and the acquis communautaire.”

Earlier today, the Athens News Agency, citing a government source, reported that Tsipras was expected to have telephone conversations either today or in the coming days with with UK Prime Minister Theresa May, European Commission President Jean Claude Juncker, French President François Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Apart from the fact that each of the three countries holds special weight, Athens and the EU, the same source had said, continue to maintain the steadfast position that the European Union`s participation in a multilateral conference in Geneva on January 12 for the Cyprus problem is an indispensable precondition.

At any rate, it had added, the Republic of Cyprus is an EU member state and the Cyprus problem is a central issue which concerns Euro-Turkish relations.

A meeting which will take place between Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias and the new UN Secretary General, António Guterres, is considered to be of crucial importance as matters of substance as well as procedure are expected to be discussed.

In the meantime, in view of the multilateral conference in Geneva, the Greek Prime Minister will brief Greek political party leaders on Monday.

The Greek government expects that a climate of consensus will be ascertained since at a meeting of the Greek National Council of Foreign Policy, which has already taken place, according to sources, the dialogue which took place was constructive and positive.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-brokered talks have been ongoing since May 2015 with a view to reunify the island under a federal roof.

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci have decided to meet in Geneva between January 9 and 11, when the two sides will be discussing the internal aspects of the Cyprus problem and will present maps. On January 12 a Conference on Cyprus is expected to take place in the presence of the three guarantor powers (Greece, Turkey and the UK) as well as other relevant parties, as is needed to deal with the chapter of security and guarantees.

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What’s On… New Year’s Eve… Community Events…

The countdown to celebrations to New Year’s Eve and where to go…

On Saturday 31st December, New Year’s Eve…

Going out or staying in don’t forget to tune in to London Greek Radio… 

Pure Cyprus,14 Goodwin Street, N4 3HQ

New Year’s Eve Meze Night.

For further details call 07795 06 0207

The Greek Cypriot Brotherhood of North Finchley

Cypria Maris… Nikos Shakolas and the band Moo Soo Too will be entertaining…

The well-known Sotiri Kampanela will be catering for souvla and meze throughout the night.

£45 per person.

The Greek Cypriot Brotherhood, 2 Britannia Road, N12 9RU

For reservations or further information 020 8445 7070 or 07956 25 7606

Article written by lgr.co.uk

Well, it’s a Christmassy story with a happy ending for a local campaign which fought for the lights on the Christmas tree in Tally Ho Corner in North Finchley to be switched on this year. Now, finally lit-up, it is visible from the LGR House if you take a 15 to 20 minute walk or a 5 minute drive to the round–a–bout linking Tally Ho Corner on the long High Road stretch.

So, with an ’empty’ tree, especially looking out of this place for what you might expect to see this December, a local initiative certainly helped make Barnet council take their stance blatantly clear, and finally do the right, which was promised all along anyway.

Barnet Council has apologised for causing confusion over whether it would be funding lights for the ‘living’ Christmas tree at Tally Ho Corner in North Finchley this year.

Traders began a campaign to raise cash for the lights after they said they had been told by the council that no cash was available.

Woodside ward Labour councillor Alan Schneiderman accused the local authority of ‘a bar humbug attitude’.

Helen Michael, a London Cypriot lady who owns Cafe Buzz nearby took it upon herself to decorate the tree with her friend Tracey Allen, when other local traders followed suit and Martyn Gerrard Estate Agents pledged funds towards it.

But, following an email from The Press, the council announced funding would be available for lights for the tree, which was planted in 2014.

Dean Cohen of the Environment committee, said:

‘Generally we don’t fund Christmas trees and decorations in the borough. However, a few years ago we installed a permanent living tree in North Finchley, which we have dressed with lights. Unfortunately, this did not happen this year and I have instructed that the lights are installed by the end of this week.

‘I would like to apologise for any inconvenience this has caused and hope traders continue to enjoy the benefits of free Christmas parking at weekends in our town centres.‘

Well done to Helen and all the other traders showing true community spirit and helping to make sure the local authority followed through with lighting up the tree, only a few days before the festivities are due to begin in earnest.

 

Article written by London Greek Radio

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.

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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A delegation from the House of Representatives comprising MPs Eleni Mavrou and Christos Orphanides participates in the deliberations of the 62nd World Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) which began yesterday in London.

 

A delegation from the House of Representatives comprising MPs Eleni Mavrou and Christos Orphanides participates in the deliberations of the 62nd World Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) which began yesterday in London.

In the framework of the Conference, which brings together 53 member countries with more than 600 participants, MP Christos Orphanides participated in a panel discussion on the role of parliamentarians in promoting and implementing sustainable development goals of the United Nations.

Emphasizing that issues such as climate change, sustainable development, the eradication of poverty and the fight against terrorism can not be addressed in isolation, he said the complexity of the challenges facing parliaments necessitates collective action.

Orphanides stressed that the Commonwealth is rich in resources and has huge financial and human resources which through collective action can be utilized to the maximum in connection with the United Nations Goals, noting that strengthening regional cooperation is an essential step for the further expansion of the sustainable development.

Recalling that 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is an ideal starting point for the coordination of actions to achieve the objective of peace, security and prosperity, Orphanides noted that the Agenda places special emphasis on cooperation for peaceful, fair and inclusive society worldwide level.

Referring to the role of Parliaments, Cypriot MP argued that they have a duty to work for the promotion of measures that will lead to the establishment of these objectives ensuring through the legislative process and parliamentary control the legitimacy of the institutional structures that ensure the fair administration of justice and the respect of the rule of law.

He also stressed the importance of citizen participation, arguing that an approach should be adopted that allows citizens to have a say and a role in decision-making.

In the framework of the Conference, which brings together 53 member countries with more than 600 participants, MP Christos Orphanides participated in a panel discussion on the role of parliamentarians in promoting and implementing sustainable development goals of the United Nations.

Emphasizing that issues such as climate change, sustainable development, the eradication of poverty and the fight against terrorism can not be addressed in isolation, he said the complexity of the challenges facing parliaments necessitates collective action.

Orphanides stressed that the Commonwealth is rich in resources and has huge financial and human resources which through collective action can be utilized to the maximum in connection with the United Nations Goals, noting that strengthening regional cooperation is an essential step for the further expansion of the sustainable development.

Recalling that 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is an ideal starting point for the coordination of actions to achieve the objective of peace, security and prosperity, Orphanides noted that the Agenda places special emphasis on cooperation for peaceful, fair and inclusive society worldwide level.

Referring to the role of Parliaments, Cypriot MP argued that they have a duty to work for the promotion of measures that will lead to the establishment of these objectives ensuring through the legislative process and parliamentary control the legitimacy of the institutional structures that ensure the fair administration of justice and the respect of the rule of law.

He also stressed the importance of citizen participation, arguing that an approach should be adopted that allows citizens to have a say and a role in decision-making.

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The Greek Cypriot side considers that Cyprus talks must continue at three parallel levels, after the negative outcome of the talks between Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, and Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci, in Mont Pelerin, Switzerland, CNA has learned.

According to a well-informed source, the first level concerns the continuation of the discussion on the territorial adjustment criteria, with a view to reach an agreement on them, use them to draft a map and determine a date for a multilateral conference on security and guarantees. In this framework the Greek Cypriot side considers the intention of Greece and Turkey, and more specifically of the Greek Premier Alexis Tsipras and Turkey`s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to hold discussions with a view to prepare the ground for the multilateral conference as a positive step.

The second level concerns discussions on pending issues in all other chapters related to the internal aspects of the Cyprus issue, and the third other related issues which do not however concern the six chapters discussed at the negotiations, as the financial aspects of the solution and the assessment of the banking sector in the Turkish occupied areas, as well as the first day of the solution.

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci held in November two rounds of UN-led talks in Mont-Pelerin on the territory aspect of the Cyprus problem. The UN announced after the end of their talks that despite their best efforts, they were not able to achieve the necessary further convergences on criteria for territorial adjustment that would have paved the way for the last phase of the talks.

Efforts to continue the UN-led peace talks on Cyprus continue this week, with the focal point being the return to the island of the UN Secretary General`s Special Advisor on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide, who had on Monday separate meeting with the leaders. British and US officials will also be visiting the island this week.

Article written by CNA

Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides has underlined that the Cyprus negotiations have not collapsed, noting that recent developments are just a bump on the road that has been very successful so far.

The Minister made the above statement responding to questions by MPs in the framework of the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, that takes place in Nicosia, on the occasion of Cyprus` Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, between November 2016 – May 2017.

The questions mainly focused on the Cyprus issue, with the PACE MPs asking about the latest UN-led intensive round of peace talks, focusing on territory, between Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, which ended inconclusively this week in Mont Pelerin, Switzerland. The talks aim at reuiniting Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. President Anastasiades has vowed to continue working hard to find a solution.

Replying to the questions, the Minister outlined the reasons of the failure of the two sides to conclude their discussions in Mont Pelerin, noting that if there are internal chapters remaining, it is a bad tactic to move them on to the multilateral conference, because this negates the position that all internal chapters are Cypriot led and of Cypriot ownership.

“So, moving them along with the security issue, which is an external chapter, to the multilateral conference is something that the Turkish side wishes and we do not”, he pointed out.

The Minister said that therefore no date was given for the last and final mile, which would be a multilateral conference between the two communities and at least the three guarantors as stakeholders.

“This is a bump on a road that has been so successful so far. The negotiations have not collapsed”, he underlined, expressing belief that this will be corrected in the coming weeks, since none of the sides contemplates the end of the negotiation.

Kasoulides said that the difficulties that appear have to do with connecting the multilateral conference with the territorial issue, for a give and take phase.

This is wrong, he said, explaining that Cypriots must agree among themselves about all the internal subjects and “then we will deal with the international conference regarding the fate of the security”.

He pointed out that when we talk about security, then both sides have to feel equally secure.

Continuing the unilateral right of intervention of Turkey, which Turkey interprets as military intervention for the future, means that the Turkish Cypriots will feel 100% secure but the Greek Cypriots will feel 100% insecure.

“Both sides must be prepared for a compromise. Our side is prepared to accept a certain period of time at the end of which Cyprus will be totally independent and sovereign and I think on this we can negotiate and have a compromise”,  he went on to say.

Asked about the role of the guarantor powers, he said that Turkey at the moment insists on maintaining the treaty of guarantees, which was interpreted by Turkey as meaning right of unilateral military intervention under which and according to them they invaded in Cyprus not to restore the constitutional order, not to maintain the unity and territorial integrity of Cyprus, but they stayed for the last 40 years and “I hope that this time when we will agree they will withdraw”.

He added that Greece is not any longer interested in being a guarantor power, while the UK position is that they will only respond to the requests of both sides and then they will consider ending their participation in a treaty of guarantee for the future.

“One of the role of the guarantors in sitting at the multilateral conference for discussing the chapter of security is to decide about the future of this treaty of guarantee that only one of the participants wishes to continue”, he stressed.

Asked about NATO, the Minister pointed out that when Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades was elected the task of this government was its request to join the NATO program, Partnership of Peace, but Turkey disagreed and “kept us the door shut considering NATO”.

The Minister was also asked about Brexit and US elections outcome. Noting that we have to respect the vote of the people, Kasoulides pointed out the need to remain truthful to our values and principles.He also noted the importance of the Convention of Human Rights of CoE and its guardian which is the European Court of Human Rights. Asked about the huge refugee flows in Greece and Italy, he said that solidarity among the European states is needed.

Article written by CNA