Talks resume after summer break

Papadoupoulos dismayed at T.Cypriot stand

BY ANDREAS HADJIPAPAS

Talks between the representatives of the two community leaders resumed this week after a short summer break, but officials confirmed they faced numerous difficulties and were not making any speedy headway.

President Papadopoulos said the Greek Cypriot side was working conscientiously for the implementation of the July 8 agreement, brokered during the visit here of UN under-secretary general Ibrahim Gambari.

But he expressed dismay at the stand of the Turkish Cypriots, even though he insisted he did not wish to get involved in a “blame game”.

He said the effort of the Turkish side to upgrade politically the pseudo-state, its persistence on the “myth” of the “isolation” of the Turkish Cypriots its statements “at times extreme” and negative actions did not contribute either to the promoting of the implementation of the agreement or to the promoting of the goal for a correct, just and mutually acceptable solution of the Cyprus problem.

New blackout

The President reaffirmed his commitment to avoid leaks about the talks, observing the news blackout agreed . He reiterated however that the Greek Cypriot side attached particular importance to the discussion of “substantive issues”, in addition to issues that affect the day-to-day life of the people.

Tackling day-to-day issues would help create a good climate and the “right atmosphere”. But it was the resolution of key aspects of the Cyprus problem that would determine a final settlement of the Cyprus problem.
“A good climate between the two communities is important. But more important is the display of goodwill, good faith and political determination to achieve a resolution of substantive aspects of the Cyprus problem”.

Addressing overseas Cypriots in Nicosia, Papadopoulos said the aim of the Greek Cypriot side was to reach a “functional and viable solution” and this could be achieved through a political settlement that would reunify the country, the society, the institutions and the economy. A settlement that would safeguard basic freedoms and the human rights of all the people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. A solution that would be based on the principles of the Untied Nations and the values of the European Union.

The Cypriot people are not second-class citizens and should not continue to be the victim of foreign invasion and continuing hostage of the Turkish aggressor, he declared.

July 8 agreement

“Our only concern and effort is for the July 8 agreement to be fully implemented without any terms or preconditions. The July 8 agreement reaffirms our commitment to reunify Cyprus on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation”, he added.

The agreement clearly provides for the simultaneous and parallel discussion, by technical committees and expert groups, of day-to-day issues and matters of substance of the Cyprus problem.

The two sides have so far exchanged lists of issues that wish to be taken up at the proposed “technical” committees and groups of experts. Tasos Tzionis and Rashit Pertev, chief aides of the President Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, have held nine meetings so far, in the office of U N representative Michael Moller.

Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardis insisted that there was “no deadlock”, and the Greek Cypriot side would press on with implementation of the July 8 agreement.

Papadopoulos—who has still to meet Mehmet ali Talat to review progress of the discussions and tackle thorny agenda issues—briefed members of the National Council at a lengthy session on Tuesday.

Speaking on Wednesday, he conceded there were “difficulties” in the process that followed the July 8 agreement. He said the Greek Cypriot side was adopting a constructive attitude adding “We hope the Turkish Cypriot side will cooperate for the speedy commencement of the work of the technical committees”.

Asked about a meeting with Talat, the President said “What is more important? To have a meeting, or to have a good reason for holding such a meeting?”