Cyprus government Spokesperson Nikos Christodoulides stated today that “the Republic of Cyprus travels to Geneva having prepared alternative scenarios to deal with all eventualities,” according to an official Presidential Palace announcement.
Christodoulides expressed the government’s “readiness to find solutions which at the same time should not and cannot go beyond the EU principles and values.”
The Republic’s delegation is set to depart for Geneva tomorrow, and Christodoulides, speaking outside the Presidential Palace today, added that President Nicos Anastasiades will speak with UN chief Antonio Guterres on the phone tomorrow.
The Government Spokesperson added that UN Security Council members “have expressed their interest” to be present at the Conference on Cyprus that will begin on January 12.
Christodoulides told journalists that “we travel to Geneva with solemnity,” also expressing a “readiness to find solutions which will allow us to be optimistic for a positive result.”
“TURKEY WILL BE PUT TO THE TEST”
Commenting on speaking directly with Turkey on the negotiating table for the first time since the 1974 invasion and occupation, Christodoulides said: “The solemnity of the times forces us to wait and see in practice on January 12 what will happen.”
“Turkey will be put to the test, for the first time we will find ourselves opposite Turkey to discuss this particular matter,” referring to the crucial security and guarantee chapters.
ERDOGAN PRESENCE
When questioned on reports that Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will not attend the Conference, instead Prime Minister Binali Yildirim will, Christodoulides replied: “No one is in a position to say right now whether Erdogan will be there or not.”
“What is important is the position to be put forward on the negotiating table on January 12 whether by Erdogan or Erdogan’s representative.”
“IT DOES NOT REFLECT REALITY”
Referring to a letter Turkish Cypriot chief Mustafa Akinci sent Guterres calling it “unacceptable” that Anastasiades will also represent the Republic of Cyprus, in addition to the Greek Cypriot community, Christodoulides replied that “it does not reflect reality” and that “it holds no legal weight”.
The Spokesperson referred to the fact that the EU will be present at the Conference because the Republic of Cyprus is an EU member state
Christodoulides also referred to relevant European Council conclusions as well as the joint declaration on February 11 2015 “where it is very specifically and characteristically mentioned that the Republic of Cyprus, Cyprus, is an EU and UN member state and will continue to be one.”
Christodoulides added: “It is in this context that the Republic of Cyprus will take part at the Conference.”
“The Republic of Cyprus is one of the signatories of the [1960] Treaty of Guarantee, therefore nothing can be discussed and no decision can be taken without the participation of the Republic of Cyprus.”
BACKGROUND
Anastasiades and Akinci decided earlier this month to resume their Swiss-based talks on January 9, 2017.
On January 11, they are expected to present their respective maps on the territorial chapter.
On January 12, the Conference on Cyprus will be convened with guarantor powers (Greece, the UK, Turkey) and other relevant parties.
Anastasiades and Akinci have been engaged in UN-led talks since May 2015 aiming to reunify the island under a federal roof, following Turkey’s 1974 invasion and illegal occupation on the island.
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