The Greek Cypriots cannot decide whether or not to return to the negotiating table while the violation of the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus continues, South Cyprus Government Spokesman, Nicos Christodoulides, said last night, ‘Famagusta Gazette’ reports.
Speaking to the press at the Presidential Palace, after the meeting between South Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide, the spokesman said: “We have elaborated on our arguments on why Mr Eide’s proposal cannot be accepted.
Our decision to return to the negotiating table cannot be taken while the violation of the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus continues and as long as Turkey does not in fact recognise the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus. There cannot be a dialogue under threats and intimidation and only when these reasons are eliminated and Turkey proves that she actually respects the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus it will be possible for a dialogue to resume. A dialogue in which –in order to have prospects for a positive outcome – Turkey must be actively involved.”
Replying to a question, Christodoulides said that “it is very clear who is responsible for the situation we are in today, therefore, the side responsible must undertake actions so that it will be feasible for the dialogue to resume.”
He said that the President had comprehensively reasoned why there could be no return to the negotiating table under the current circumstances and added that “it is important to note that there was understanding on the part of Mr Eide with regard to the position elaborated by the President of the Republic”.
The spokesman declined to comment on threats made by Turkish Prime Minister Ahmed Davutoglu that Turkey would continue to carry out its seismic searches in the South’s EEZ. He noted that Davutoglu’s statements fall outside the framework of international legality. “The fact is that all the countries in the region, except for one, are in a dialogue to develop alliances on energy and other issues. And there is a very specific reason why this country, Turkey, cannot participate in the dialogue that is underway. Therefore, this is something that should be of concern to Turkey,” Christodoulides said.
