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Statement by Cyprus Foreign Minister to the International Meeting in Support of Middle East Peace Process held in Nicosia
Addressing the two-day international meeting, convened by the UN Palestinian Rights Committe, in Nicosia, Cyprus Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides said the most important lesson that could be drawn from the recent upsurge of violence was the impact of security concerns on the peace process, and the realization that without political negotiations offering the prospect of an end to the occupation and the creation of a viable, independent Palestinian State, the hopes for a secure Middle East were dim and distant.
He urged Israel to withdraw from the areas occupied by its troops earlier this month and to desist from extra judicial executions, attacks on medical and humanitarian institutions and personnel and settlement activities. He expressed full sympathy to President Yasser Arafat, and called on Israel to lift the siege of the Palestinian Authority’s headquarters in Ramallah. The solution of the Middle East problem would bring stability to the region, ensure normal relations and end the violence.
The text of the Minister's speech follows below:
April 16, 2002
“I would like to
welcome all of you to Cyprus, on the occasion of this International Meeting in
support of Middle East Peace, which comes at a crucial juncture in the long and
tortuous history of this most explosive regional conflict. We are particularly pleased at the presence
today of so many distinguished members of the international community and sincerely
hope that this meeting will contribute in its own way toward the eventual
establishment of peace in our region.
The Question of
Palestine has dominated the international agenda for as long as one
remembers. It is an on-going conflict
that has cost immeasurable suffering to millions of people and has created an
almost permanent situation of instability, whose repercussions extend far
beyond the region of the Middle East.
Cyprus, as a
neighbouring state with long and strong bonds of friendship to the people of
Palestine and Israel, is particularly pained by this seemingly never-ending
cycle of violence that has tormented the two peoples over the years. The violence that we have witnessed since
September of 2000 has surpassed even the most dire predictions, following the
euphoria that a final solution could be achieved after the major breakthrough
of the Madrid Conference and subsequent agreements signed on the principle of
Land for Peace.
The most important
lesson that can be drawn from the recent upsurge of violence in this conflict
is the impact of security concerns on the peace process, and at the same time
the realisation of the irrefutable fact that without political negotiations
offering the prospect for an end to the unacceptable situation of occupation
and the creation of a viable, independent Palestinian state, the prospects of a
secure Middle East are dim and distant.
The challenge for the
parties to the conflict is to find the necessary political courage and go
beyond hatred to look for ways to achieve both aims. The international community should also stay engaged and find the
appropriate means, as warranted by the situation and the behaviour of the
parties, to put an end to the bloodshed and to the return to the negotiating
table. For History, will judge harshly both parties directly concerned, as well
as, all of us, if we fail to act, and to act now.
Cyprus’ long-held
position on the solution of the Question of Palestine has been consistent and
in line with international law. We strongly support the immediate
implementation of resolutions 1397, 1402 and 1403 of the Security Council and
the non-selective and comprehensive implementation of the recommendations of
the Mitchell Report and the Tenet Plan.
We furthermore fully support the efforts of the Quartet – the United
Nations, the European Union, the United States and Russia – and especially the
current effort of the US Secretary of State, Mr. Colin Powell, to bring the two
parties together and pursue a peaceful solution to the conflict.
We urge Israel to
withdraw from the areas occupied by its troops earlier this month and to desist
from any actions such as extrajudicial executions, attacks on medical and
humanitarian institutions and personnel, the settlement activities which are a
clear violation of international law, to fully respect international
humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions and to accept the dispatch of an
international force with extended powers to reflect the new situation on the
ground. We furthermore call for respect and protection of all religious sites. Equally we condemn unequivocally any form of
terrorism for which we find no justification, and urge for an immediate end of
this practice.
We express full
sympathy to President Yasser Arafat, whom we consider the legitimate leader and
elected representative of the Palestinian People, with a vital role to play in
the peace process. We call upon Israel to lift the siege of the Palestinian
Authority’s headquarters in Ramallah and restore his freedom of movement.
We welcome the resolution of the Arab League
Meeting in Beirut and we reiterate our support for a just and lasting
settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflict, based on resolutions 242 (1967) and
338 (1973) of the Security Council. A
solution which will put an end to the occupation of Arab lands and to the plight
of the Palestinian people, ensuring the fulfillment of their legitimate rights,
including their right to an independent state.
The solution of the Middle East problem will bring stability to this
sensitive region of the world, will ensure normal relations, the safety and
security of all countries of the region, including Israel, and will put an end
to violence, strengthening the forces of moderation and cooperation.”
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