STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN
MR. MICHALIS PAPAPETROU
FOLLOWING THE NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING IN NEW YORK

Friday, 15/9/2000

The Government Spokesman, Mr. Michalis Papapetrou, made the following statement after the meeting of the National Council, held under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic, Mr. Glafcos Clerides, in New York on 15 September:

Following the statement by the UN Secretary-General on 12 September, which could be interpreted in several ways and cause confusion, the President of the Republic refused to attend the talks. In the last few days a hard diplomatic battle was given. The Government believes that this battle has been won. All the vague points and everything that could be exploited by the Turkish side have been totally neutralised and refuted.

The President of the Republic, both though public statements and private confirmations, has received assurances that negotiations are continuing strictly within the framework set by the UN Security Council resolutions. He has also received confirmation that political equality, which is interpreted by the Security Council resolutions, is a concept which must be tackled on the basis of these interpretations.

The President of the Republic is not seeking excuses to flee from the talks as such a thing would perpetuate the status quo in Cyprus and the division of the island. What he is seeking is to break the deadlock and achieve a Cyprus settlement by the reunification of Cyprus within the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation as envisaged in the UN resolutions. In view of these facts he has decided to attend the dialogue to hold talks on this basis.

It is certain that our side will on no account help Mr. Denktash maintain his intransigence and shoulder the responsibilities burdening Mr. Denktash who has so far refused to negotiate.

__________

Back