Statement by the Permanent Representative of Cyprus Ambassador Sotos Zackheos to the Foreign Press Association on Cyprus's prospects - The effects of a Comprehensive Settlement and the Accession of Cyprus to the EU

 

October 29, 2002

I would like to welcome you to the Cyprus House. I thought that we should get together especially at this important juncture, soon after the European Union leaders’ meeting in Brussels , which endorsed the European Commission’s Strategy Report “Towards the Enlarged Union” and the Progress Reports of the candidate countries. Ten years after the termination of the cold war, the European Continent and its people are coming closer to unification. This is a historic event of utmost importance, both for the continent and the world. We thank the Irish people for their positive vote on the referendum for the ratification of the Treaty of Nice. Now, millions of Europeans wait impatiently for the Conclusions of the forthcoming European Council to be held in Copenhagen 12-14 December 2002, which will open the way for the signing of the Accession Treaties next Spring. With the 10 acceding countries, including Cyprus , the E.U will include 25 countries, by the beginning of 2004, thus creating an economic and political entity with the 3rd largest population in the world after China and India .

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSIONS DOCUMENTS  

Both the Strategy Paper and the Progress Report reconfirm the fact that Cyprus meets both the political and economic criteria. They also note the significant progress made with regard to a) the adoption of the acquis communautaire b) the strengthening of its administrative ability for effective implementation and c) the realization of the commitments undertaken during the accession negotiations.  

A significant element for Cyprus , in both Documents, is that the European Commission does not differentiate its position on the candidature of Cyprus from that of the other 9 candidate countries.  

With regard to the Cyprus question, both documents reiterate the E.U. position that the settlement is not a precondition for the accession of Cyprus , and that in the absence of a settlement, the decision to be taken will be based on the Conclusions of the Helsinki European Council of 1999. The Strategy Report also urges Turkey to strongly support the efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. Both documents clarify that the settlement of the political issue must be in line with the principles on which the E.U is founded. Moreover, Cyprus , as a Member  - State, should be in a position to speak with a single voice and ensure proper application of E.U Law. Both documents reiterate the relevant Conclusions of the Seville European Council that Cyprus ’ terms of accession can be adapted to reflect the comprehensive settlement and its implications for the application of the “acquis” throughout the island.

THE NEGOTIATIONS ON THE CYPRUS PROBLEM  

And now I come to the second track, the negotiations for the solution of the Cyprus problem, conducted under the auspices of the Secretary General of the United Nations.  

It is internationally recognized that President Clerides has been very positive throughout the talks. He endeavored to address the legitimate concerns of the Turkish Cypriots, striving to find a just and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem, based on the Security Council Resolutions. To our dismay and that of the International Community, the Turkish side has not responded with the same political will. The Security Council in its statement of the 9th of July declared authoritatively that the “Turkish Cypriot side has been less constructive in its approach so far and had declined to support the goal of resolving the core issues”. The Council also strongly underscored the need for the Turkish side to cooperate fully in the on-going effort for a comprehensive settlement, which takes into full consideration the relevant Security Council resolutions and treaties.  

As you know, the Secretary-General of the United Nations held talks between 3-4 of October, with President Clerides and the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, in an attempt to reach a solution, if possible by the end of the year. Unfortunately, those meetings did not break the impasse, with the Turkish Cypriot leader still pushing for the acceptance of the sovereignty of his breakaway entity and for his segregation policies. Consequently substantial differences of opinion remain between the two sides on the core issues.  

In view of the health problems of Mr. Denktash, the two leaders decided to create two ad hoc technical committees that will begin work immediately on treaties and future common State laws. Unfortunately, despite the immediate positive response by our side, which proceeded with the appointment of the members of both committees, no meeting has yet been convened as a result of the delay in the appointment of the Turkish Cypriot delegation.  

We still hope however, that if there is a change in the substance of the Turkish position, a just and lasting solution, meeting the interests of both communities and in conformity with international law, is still possible prior to the forthcoming European Council. In this respect both sides should seize the moment and take advantage of the window of opportunity presented by the unique convergence of positive factors such as the renewed interest of the international community, the personal involvement and commitment of the S.G, Mr. Kofi Annan, to whom we express our appreciation, the E.U accession process of Cyprus and Turkey’s European aspirations.  

I would like to use this opportunity to say a few words about the press reports, concerning the preparation of a comprehensive settlement and its possible presentation to the parties by the UN SG. The Cyprus Government is not aware, neither of the content of such a document, nor of its eventual presentation in November. We have stated repeatedly that the SG, with his well-known wisdom, will consider the best timing of any initiative and its prospect to achieve a settlement. The S.G will of course consider the new party realignment of political forces following the results of the 3 November elections in Turkey .  

As for our side, President Clerides has shown flexibility and courage in assisting the efforts of the S.G and will continue to cooperate with him in a constructive manner for the fulfillment of the mandate entrusted to him by the Security Council. It should be reiterated that the settlement must be in conformity with the UN Resolutions and the acquis communautaire. Such a settlement can be accepted at both the international and national level. There are red lights that cannot be ignored. We will remain determined that a solution should safeguard the continuation of the Republic of Cyprus , put an end to the division of the island and ensure the departure of Turkish occupation troops and settlers. Cyprus , in accordance with the Security Council Resolutions, should be one State with a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and a single international personality. Cyprus must be able to function under workable constitutional arrangements. It should also be able to apply the acquis and take part without problems in all the institutions within the E.U.  

In this respect, let me emphasize that the so called vision contained in the Turkish document of the 11th of September has not been positively accepted by the international community and is more or less considered as a public relations exercise. This has been amplified by the fact that, despite the blackout requested by the SG, the document has been distributed widely in an effort to misleadingly be presented as a major contribution for a settlement by the Turkish side. The latter has even tried to get the endorsement of the Organisation of Islamic Countries, before they had even time to read and consider it, something that fortunately was rebuffed by its members.  The system of government envisaged by this document is simply not workable and has not been adopted by any single country in the world. The Turkish side has not also shown flexibility on the territorial aspect. They have not indicated the percentage of the land to be administered by them and they instead continue to insist on vague criteria such as defensibility of the area and even maintenance of the present coastline, which is about 55%. Consider the fairness of such a proposal emanating from a community of 18% of the island’s total population, a tourist island where coastline is a lifeline.  

Moreover, the Turkish side is insisting on its unacceptable proposal of global exchange of property titles, which violates both the European and international law. This incompatibility was most authoritatively shown in the famous Titina Loizidou case where the European Court of Human Rights in its decision, reaffirmed the rights of the Greek Cypriot refugees to their property in the Turkish occupied area. Despite the three interim resolutions adopted by the Committee of Ministers, Turkey has yet to comply with this decision.  

Let me repeat our appeal, which comes from our hearts, to the Turkish leadership and to Mr. Denktash that they should listen to the yearning of our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, and indeed all the people of Cyprus, to help find a solution which will enhance and safeguard conditions of peaceful cooperation amongst the two Communities in a reunified island and will terminate the division of the country and its people. A reunified Cyprus will provide security for its people and will indeed be a bridge of cooperation and understanding in the sensitive area of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. It will help consolidate the Greco-Turkish rapprochement.  

The potential of a positive role of Cyprus at the regional level has been amply demonstrated by the assistance of Cyprus in breaking the impasse of the Church of Nativity. Today, I am pleased to announce to you the signing of an agreement, under which a field office for the UN inspectors of UNMOVIC will be established on the island. The significance of this event cannot be overstated. We consider it as our contribution to the international community in the quest to implement the Security Council Resolutions, demilitarize Iraq and avert war.

ADVANTAGES FOR TURKISH CYPRIOTS FROM THE ACCESSION OF CYPRUS TO THE EU  

The advantages for Turkish Cypriots from a settlement and the E.U. accession are so evident that they have mobilized 86 T/Cs organizations, which are pushing for change in the position of their leadership on these issues. I would just like to mention a few of those advantages:  

¨      Entry into the E.U. and the consequent adoption of the European currency, will lead amongst other things to financial stability. This factor is very important for the T/Cs since they currently face huge inflation rates, as a result of the adoption of the Turkish lira. According to the 2001 Progress Report of the European Commission, Turkey’s annual inflation rate was 57.6%;  

¨      Their per capita income, which is now almost five times lower than that of the Greek Cypriots, is expected in a short period (2-5 years), to rise by three times the present levels;  

¨      Agriculture and business will benefit enormously from, respectively, better prices and better access to the huge European market;  

¨      Access to the structural funds: the northern part of the island is expected to be eligible to the structural funds. Moreover, the EU has already expressed its intention to provide, in case of reaching a solution, a special aid of €206 m. allocated for the period 2004-2006 and in addition, €70 or more million in the next year so that the economic gap between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots will be reduced and gradually eliminated;  

¨      Turkish Cypriots will become E.U. citizens, thus enjoying all the benefits (in travel, education, employment etc.). They will also participate as Cypriot citizens in the institutions of the E.U. ;  

¨      Furthermore, Turkish Cypriots will be able to maintain their religious, linguistic and cultural identity – which is now challenged by the presence of Turkish mainland settlers – and will enjoy the benefits of living in a country where the rule of law and human rights will be fully respected.

ADVANTAGES FOR TURKEY FROM THE ACCESSION OF CYPRUS TO THE EU  

Moreover, the benefits from a solution of the Cyprus problem will spill over to Turkey, as well. The withdrawal of the Turkish armed forces from Cyprus and the abandonment of the current Turkish policy on the island will relieve Turkey of a substantial financial burden, enhance its security, and restore its image in the region. Turkey now spends about 300 million dollars per annum in order to maintain the so-called “TRNC”. In that amount, Turkey does not factor the military expenses required in order to sustain the 35,000 strong army that occupies the northern part of Cyprus. Furthermore, the continuation of the Turkish occupation of Cyprus negatively affects Turkey’s foreign policy and international image, and creates an enormous burden to the Turkish people as well, who strive for their own progress and well-being. Presently, there is a growing realization in Turkey of the negative impact of its existing Cyprus policy on its European aspirations. As evidenced by a growing number of articles and public statements, whose authors include such prominent journalists as Mehmet Ali Birand and noted Turkish diplomats such as the former Foreign Minister Turkmen, many point out that the Turkish policy on Cyprus is both outdated in substance and in its justification.

ADVANTAGES FOR THE E.U. FROM CYPRUS' ACCESSION  

Some people wonder what the European Union has to gain from the accession of Cyprus. The answer is not so difficult:  

¨       The accession of Cyprus and Malta, the southern dimension of the enlargement, will provide the necessary balance in the process of widening and deepening the Union;  

¨      The accession of Cyprus will bring the E.U to the Eastern Mediterranean and will become the bridge between the E.U and the countries of the Middle East and North Africa. The very good relations that Cyprus maintains with all the countries of the region will benefit the E.U, while the latter can utilize Cyprus in its own efforts to promote peace, the rule of law, democracy and security in the area. In this respect it is noted that the E.U has chosen Cyprus as the Headquarters of its special Envoy for the Middle East;  

¨      Cyprus as the future southern-most border, will contribute to safeguarding the Unions’ policies in the fields of justice and home affairs;  

¨      Due to the advanced services that Cyprus can offer (telecommunications, banking system, etc.), the island will enhance its role as an entrepreneurial base for the activities of the European enterprises in the region;  

¨      The island’s merchant fleet – the world’s sixth largest – would make the Union the world’s biggest shipping owner;  

¨      Cyprus would be a net contributor to the E.U.  

In conclusion, I would like to assure you that our side will always keep open the door to negotiations for finding a just and viable settlement and that Cyprus, as a future member of the E.U, will fulfill its responsibilities as a loyal and trustworthy member of the European family.  

Thank you very much; I will be pleased to answer your questions.

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