Cyprus stil occupied still divided 1974-2017

“It is of utmost importance to remain committed to the continuation of this dialogue, and work with determination to reunify the island and to serve the true interests of the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots”, President Anastasiades stressed. President Anastasiades’ proposal was rejected by the Turkish side, but was followed by a meeting of the two leaders with the UN Secretary General in New York in June. The statement issued following the meeting with the Secretary-General stressed in the clearest terms that the chapter on security and guarantees is of vital importance and that progress in this chapter is an essential element in reaching an overall agreement. To this end, Turkey’s contribution in tangible terms in these negotiations is vital. There is no solution that can be reached without Turkey taking practical and concrete steps towards this direction and, inter alia, revisit its outdated positions on guarantees, the presence of troops and unilateral rights of intervention. Turkey, a country that aspires to accede to the European Union and be a key regional player, is expected to rise to the occasion and contribute constructively to the process, taking into account the benefit of the people of Cyprus, as well as the positive impact a settlement will have to international peace and regional stability and cooperation. PHOTO: Katia Christodoulou