Cyprus problem an issue of invasion and occuption, Voutsis tells Cyprus Parliament
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
NICOSIA (ANA-MPA/ A. Viketos) Greece believes that Ankara holds the key to reaching an agreement on the Cyprus issue, Greek Parliament President Nikos Voutsis said on Monday while addressing Cypriot lawmakers, during a visit to the island.
“A solution to the Cyprus problem is a prerequisite for the full normalisation of Greek-Turkish relations,” he said.
Speaking during a special session of the Cypriot Parliament, Voutsis underlined that the Cyprus problem was “primarily an international issue of invasion and occupation.”
He said that Greece was waiting for specific, constructive and meaningful initiatives from Turkey as “proof of its otherwise welcome rhetorical assurances of support for the negotiation process.”
Voutsis noted that the best method for resolving the Cyprus issue were bi-communal talks based on UN Security Council resolutions and UN mediation. Other methods proposed by Turkey from time to time chiefly sought to bypass UN decisions, undermine the legal Cyprus government and “equate the responsibilities of the occupation force, which is Turkey, with Greece’s multi-faceted efforts to support the Cyprus Republic and the negotiating effort,” he added, in order to “perpetuate the outdated and unacceptable… 1960s system of guarantees.”
He repeated that a mutually acceptable solution must be compatible with Cyprus’ position as an EU member-state, ensuring the implementation of Community laws and regulations and Cyprus’ continued effective representation in EU decision making.
Voutsis also noted that Greece does not interfere in the negotiation on internal aspects of the Cyprus issue and centred its interest and initiatives chiefly on the international aspects of the problem.
He also urged Turkey to accept that a fundamental condition for resolving the problem was to accept and recognise Cyprus’ sovereignty and independence.
Greece’s Parliament president also underlined that neither Cyprus nor Greece will accept the island’s division.
Cyprus House of Representatives President Yiannakis Omirou, in his introduction, said the Greek-Cypriot side was hoping to see Turkey finally abandon its traditionally intransigent stance during the negotiations process currently underway, in order to open the way for a solution.
Earlier, Voutsis had separate meetings with Cyprus’ Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and the heads of the parties in Cyprus’ Parliament. He was also received by Cyprus Archbishop Chrysostomos.