EU Summit is of vital importance concerning Turkish provocations, President says
CNA - CYPRUS/Nicosia 30/09/2020
The EU Summit which begins tomorrow in Brussels is of “vital importance” in ensuring that the verbal assurances of support are finally matched by decisive actions vis-à-vis Turkey,” Cyprus President has said.
Addressing a virtual event hosted by PSEKA to honour the 60th anniversary of the independence of Cyprus, Anastasiades stressed that it is our clear position that decisive action “is the only way for Turkey to refrain from continuing with its gun-boat diplomacy, threats and behavior of intimidation,” recalling the example of the de-escalation in the Aegean.
“In the case of Cyprus,” he said, “unfortunately, so far the policy of rapprochement has fully failed taking also into account that a few days prior to the postponed European Council of 24 and 25 September, Turkey renewed its two illegal NAVTEX within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic and continues with its drilling and seismic activities.”
“Only a determined and strong reaction can deter Turkey from pursuing its expansionist and revisionist policy,” President Anastasiades added, noting that “we are all witnessing of what is now taking place as regards Nagorno – Karabakh and Turkish threats to, yet again, after Syria and Libya, military intervene.”
Furthermore, Anastasiades reiterated “our clear position for the immediate resumption of the peace process from the point it was left off,” adding that for this reason he warmly welcomed the intention of the UN Secretary – General to immediately resume talks after the completion of the internal political process within the Turkish Cypriot community.
He recalled his remarks during his address at the UN General Assembly that “it is imperative to create an environment that will be conducive for constructive and good faith negotiations, on an equal footing and not under conditions of intimidation and threats”.
Anastasiades also recalled recent statements by the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the above-mentioned intention of the UN Secretary – General, stressing that such comments “prove once more which is the end-goal of Turkey and why all negotiating processes have failed.”
“An end-goal which is none other than to impose a two-state solution or a confederal system of Governance,” he said.
The President stated that “even with this negative environment of provocative actions and aspirations to reach a solution outside the UN established parameters, I wish to convey my firm commitment and determination to use all diplomatic means available and to exert every effort possible in order to reach a settlement.”
Concluding, Anastasiades extended his sincere gratitude and appreciation to PSEKA and the Cypriot diaspora residing at the United States.
“With your rich and multifaced action at the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of the States, you offer a significant advantage in strengthening the ever-growing relationship between Cyprus and the US, but in particular in advancing Cyprus’ positions and our aim of ending the unacceptable status quo,” he concluded.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Since then, the fate of hundreds of people remains unknown.
CNA/GS/GV/2020