London Greek Radio

A joint declaration by three Cypriot overseas organisations in the UK urges the leaderships of the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities in the island to work for a quick solution to the long-standing Cyprus problem.

The Enfield Cypriots Association, the Turkish Cypriot Association for Democracy and the Union of Cypriots in Britain state their encouragement by the continuation of the intercommunal talks between the leaders of the two communities under the auspices of the UN and “urge both of them to work harder aiming to reach an acceptable solution as quickly as possible as the passing of time only complicates things further”.

The declaration states that the message of both communities is “loud and clear: the overwhelming majority of the Cypriot people are looking forward to a peaceful solution to re-unify our country. We do not accept the continuation of the status-quo or the partition of our country`.

“We call upon the leaders of both communities and remind them of their responsibilities including during the intercommunal talks to cultivate policies and actions against the resurgence of nationalism-chauvinism and intolerance`.

Referring to the settlement itself, the three organisations note that a reunification agreement should include the “complete demilitarisation on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal basis with political equality as set out by the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council; a solution that will safeguard a single sovereignty, a single international personality and a single citizenship, as well as the respect of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all the citizens of the united Republic of Cyprus”.

The joint declaration was handed out to visitors of the recent Wine Festival in north London and has also been sent to both leaders, President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci.