News releases

June 7, 2004

IMPORTANCE OF U.S. - CYPRUS RELATIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTED
IN CYPRUS PRESIDENT’S speech At harvard university

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos will return to Cyprus from the United States this week following a visit which highlighted the importance of U.S. – Cyprus relations and new levels of co-operation between the two countries.

In a speech before a very large crowd of faculty, students and members of the community, at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University on June 1, the president discussed the key priorities for his government and the Greek Cypriot community in negotiating a functional and viable peace plan to end the division of Cyprus imposed by Turkey’s military occupation since 1974,  and the importance of strong U.S.–Cyprus relations.  He also reaffirmed Cyprus’ commitment to the war on terror.

The president cited several serious concerns with the failed United Nations Plan which rendered it unworkable and stressed the disappointment felt by the Greek Cypriot community – which remains eager for a solution - because it was not presented with a framework that it could  endorse in the recent referendum.

“We are really disappointed and disheartened, that the provisions of the Annan Plan V, geared to satisfy the demands of Turkey, did not allow the people of Cyprus to accept this Plan, on account of the adverse result of certain of its provisions,” President Papadopoulos said.  “Our position should not be mistaken or misunderstood: We do not ‘reject’ the Annan Plan. We still believe it is a good basis for an eventual solution,” he continued.

“We still accept a bizonal, bicommunal functional federation, but this version of the Plan was not,’’ he said.  “But it is too important to expect us to rush into such a fundamental and irreversible change with what can only be described as an unseemly haste which would not be acceptable to any other state. . . . The proper way is to continue to work hard until we reach a plan that is workable, equitable and acceptable to all of us.”

Another central theme of the president’s address was the common values, principles and interests shared by Cyprus and the United States.

Speaking to the shared interests of the countries the president said, “The Republic of Cyprus and the United States of America are bound together by common interests, a long tradition of friendship and close co-operation, and excellent bilateral relations.”

He continued, “The strong historic ties between the two countries have their roots in the respect and promotion of the same fundamental values and principles. We have long shared the same legacy of democratic ideals, respect for human rights, prevalence of international legality and the rule of law. Cyprus and the United States remain strong advocates of these values, the advancement of which constitutes a priority in their policies.

President Papadopoulos also noted Cyprus’ new status as a member of the European Union and the potential for cooperative business interests saying, “Cyprus with a vibrant and stable economy, as an international business and service centre lying at the crossroads of three continents, and as a member of the European Union, has its doors open to American business eager to invest and promote business in our country.  Through Cyprus, a multicultural, diverse, cosmopolitan centre of economic and social progress in the Eastern Mediterranean and a member of the European Union, American business corporations can now have direct access to the large EU market.” He also noted that as an EU member Cyprus will “add our modest contribution to the efforts for consolidating the Transatlantic relationship between the United States and the European Union.”

The president went on to discuss Cyprus’ role as an important and enthusiastic partner in the war on terror, noting that, “Our intense co-operation and partnership has moved to another level since the tragic events of September 11^th. We stand together in our common aim to fight effectively international terrorism in all its manifestations and forms.” He emphasized that, “The USA and Cyprus remain committed in the intensification of all efforts to eliminate the scourge of terrorism in all its aspects, through both multilateral and bilateral co-operation.” The president added that “The same determination must continue to be shown in other fields of common interest, like combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, effectively dealing with the phenomenon of money laundering and addressing the environmental challenges of the 21st century.”

President Papadopoulos concluded his speech underscoring the importance of U.S. involvement in Cyprus’ efforts to achieve a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem saying, “The United States has always shown special interest in finding a solution to the Cyprus problem and putting an end to the longstanding division of the island.  The American role in the peace efforts in Cyprus is of special weight and its contribution is of crucial importance.

“Cyprus, the region of the Eastern Mediterranean, Europe and the world in general are in need of a continuing active involvement of the United States in our efforts to attain a lasting settlement to the Cyprus problem.  Finding such a solution will be beneficial not only for Cypriots, but will also serve as model of hope to other similar situations and will promote stability and security in the wider region of the Mediterranean,” the President said.