Speech by Ambassador Sotos Zackheos

at an event organized by the Cyprus-US Chamber of Commerce

December 16, 2002

I am happy to speak to you today at this truly historic and crucial moment of change for Cyprus, Europe and the entire international community. As you all know the Copenhagen Summit concluded this weekend with Cyprus being one of the ten countries that will become members of the EU as of the 1^st of May 2004. The European Council also called on the Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots to continue negotiations with the objective of concluding a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem by the 28^th February 2003.

The last few months have been truly extraordinary, with an intensification of the efforts led by the UN, heightened diplomatic activity and international interest for a resolution of the Cyprus conflict.

Following this weekend’s Copenhagen European Council Summit, the EU will consist of 25 countries, forming an economic and political entity with the 3^rd largest population in the world after China and India. Cyprus, after a tremendous effort involving the Government, Parliament and the Cypriot society has proved itself to be well prepared to join the EU as a full member. Cyprus had worked hard to meet the European criteria for accession and was the first of all the candidate countries to close all 31 chapters of the acquis communautaire.  As Cyprus has acceded without a solution to the Cyprus problem, the application of acquis communautaire to the northern (occupied) part of the island will be suspended.

We are of course very pleased about the decision of the European Council concerning our accession to the EU. Nevertheless, as President Clerides stated from Copenhagen on December 13^th, “Our joy for this historic day would be complete if the Cyprus problem were already solved. We are deeply saddened that an agreement  has not been reached. Our commitment, though, for this as soon as possible remains, as always, strong.

We understand the disappointment of our Turkish-Cypriot compatriots over the absence of a Cyprus settlement, and once more their leadership has let them down. Their spontaneous mass demonstrations last Friday and during the weekend  should serve as a reminder to Mr. Dentktash that the true interests of the Turkish-Cypriots will be served with the reunification of the island under a just and workable agreement and the membership of Cyprus to the EU. I am pleased to inform you that the Cyprus government will announce, soon, a unilateral program, that will enhance the interaction and cooperation of the two communities.

The Cyprus government wishes to express its gratitude to the government’s of the 15 member states of the EU, as well as EU officials, for accepting us into their community, and in particular the Greek government, the Greek political leadership and greek people, for their assistance throughout the process of accession negotiations. Cyprus, upon entry, intends to honour all its responsibilities and be a loyal and responsible member of the Union, working always with the aim of building a consensus and projecting the political, moral and humanitarian values of the EU throughout the world. Cyprus considers its accession as an opportunity in the new international environment, to add its voice to the European public’s demands for social cohesion, respect for the rule of law and democracy within the continent and for the application of international law, compassion for the world’s neediest, and the prevalence of multilateralism in international relations.

Situated at the crossroads of three continents and in the sensitive area of the Middle East, Cyprus will be able to add to the contribution of the EU in the Middle East as the island serves as a bridge of cooperation and understanding in the region and as an advocate for peaceful solutions and reconciliation.

Our role was amply demonstrated, inter alia, by the assistance we offered in breaking the impasse of the Church of Nativity and the signing of an agreement, under which a field office for the UN inspectors of UNMOVIC was established on the island. The significance of the latter cannot be overstated and we consider it as our contribution to the international community’s quest to implement the Security Council Resolutions, demilitarize Iraq and avert war.

With regard to the solution of the Cyprus problem, we have been greatly disappointed by the lack of political will once again demonstrated by the Turkish during the efforts of the Good Offices of the Secretary General of the UN. President Clerides, in close consultation with the political leadership, approached the Secretary-General’s proposal of November 11^th in a responsible manner, indicating the Greek-Cypriot side’s acceptance of the document as a basis for negotiation.  Following Mr. Annan’s request on the 27^th November for further comments, President Clerides sent a well thought out expose explaining our side’s position, the aim of which is to find a just, viable and functional solution of the Cyprus problem in conformity with UN Security Council resolutions and human rights norms.

President Clerides accompanied by six of Cyprus’ political leaders traveled to Copenhagen last week, fully prepared to make his contribution for the successful outcome of the initiative of the Secretary-General. You are well aware of the delaying tactics and evasiveness of the Turkish side. Despite the commitments made by the new Turkish government to international actors, the Turkish-Cypriot leadership did not demonstrate the anticipated willingness for substantive engagement in resolving the Cyprus problem.

Despite our disappointment at the intransigence of the Turkish side, we will respond positively to the appeal by the European Council and we are ready to negotiate in good faith as we believe that the problem must be solved in order to safeguard the prosperity, security, understanding and respect of the human rights of all the people of Cyprus, without discrimination. Until the joyous moment when a Cyprus settlement is achieved, we will always keep the door to the negotiations open and we hope that we will receive the required response from the other side so that we can finally achieve this noble aim.

I would like to reiterate our appeal, which comes from our heart, to the Turkish leadership and to Mr. Denktash that they listen to the yearning of our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, who have shown with courage their preference for finalizing a solution and accession of a reunited Cyprus to the EU. We call on them to help find a solution which will enhance and safeguard conditions of peaceful cooperation amongst the two communities in a reunified island, and terminating the division of the country and its people.

A just, viable and workable solution of the Cyprus problem meets the interests of the Cypriot people and will enhance the Greco-Turkish rapprochement as well as stability and co-operation in a crucial region of the Mediterranean.

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