Address of the President of the Democratic Rally Mr. Averof Neophytou at the Discussion organized by OPEK
“A United Cyprus is Feasible”
Dear friends,
It is with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation from OPEK, the Association for Social Reform, and the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus, to participate in this public discussion with Mr. Talat addressing the topic,
“A United Cyprus is Feasible”.
Indeed, a well-timed topic. Since currently we are going through a very promising, but at the same time very challenging, period regarding the prospects to reach a permanent and viable solution of the Cyprus Problem.
For more than 40 years the two communities have been negotiating on the bases of the UN Security Council Resolutions and the high level agreements without success. To reach a permanent and mutually agreed settlement that will transform Cyprus in a united, bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. So what makes the current process different from previous attempts? Why do we believe that a united Cyprus, this time is feasible?
This time we get the feeling that the majority of the people in both communities realizes that the current status quo is not acceptable and is not in the best interest of the people. Most Turkish Cypriots realize that without a solution, they will never be able to fully integrate in the European Union. Consequently, they are facing the danger of gradually losing their unique Turkish Cypriot identity, culture and tradition. Similarly, most Greek Cypriots understand that the indefinite extension of the current status quo is not viable and conceals many dangers regarding their future. Time is a luxury that none of the communities have. Today, after 4 decades of separation, most of the refugees have no memories or recollections from our common co-existence. In a few years most of the people that have experienced it, will either be dead, or over aged.
At the same time we must emphasize that no one is willing to sacrifice the quality of the solution for the sake of time. A solution has to be functional, to last in time and make sense for future generations. One of the strong elements of this new process is the agreement of the two leaders that only an agreed solution can be put in a referendum. Therefore, each leader has to put himself in the other one’s shoes.
Currently we have leaders in both communities that believe in the reunification of Cyprus. This is undoubtedly a very positive, and not an accidental, circumstance. Furthermore, the discovery of significant quantities of hydrocarbons in the region of the Eastern Mediterranean is a development that creates conditions for wider interest convergences among all the countries in the region, including Turkey. In addition, and taking into consideration the conclusions of the recent EU – Turkey summit, everyone realizes that the continuation of Turkey’s accession road to the EU is only feasible with the solution of the Cyprus Problem. We can see, therefore, a wide range of positive synergies that can arise from a possible solution.
At the same time we witness our troubled neighborhood in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East burn in flames, threatening to become a fire that will light up global unrest with unimaginable consequences. Loss of life and human suffering has become a dangerous and daily reality for millions of people. A region plagued with different levels of unrest and instability. A region devastated by conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Northern and Central Africa and political instability in a number of countries. Adding to that lately is the fear of terrorism which lingers all over the world.
These developments have increased the need for a stability pillar in the region. Cyprus can become this reliable and credible pillar of political, energy and economic cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean. A reunited Cyprus can further serve this role and become the link between the European Union and the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. It can also become a successful example of a prosperous, multicultural society. It can become a place where diversity and different religions serve as a motive for a better understanding and cooperation and not as a source of dispute and suffering.
But we must remain alert and not kid ourselves:
Our current prosperity is fragile without a permanent and viable solution of the Cyprus Problem that will eliminate any future source of controversy. Nationalism and chauvinism are always preying and waiting for the right opportunity to rise up, if not dealt with permanently. In our case, division arising from the ongoing Cyprus Problem may become once more a source for future clashes. It is our duty towards us and all future generations, to reach a permanent and viable solution. One that will unite the land and the people and will enable us to build an oasis of peace, prosperity, cooperation and stability in the region.
The Democratic Rally remains deeply committed in achieving a lasting, functional and viable solution of the Cyprus Problem. We aim to achieve a solution that will be based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal Federation, in accordance with international law, UN Security Council Resolutions and European values and principles. We want a solution that will ensure the future and prosperity of all Cypriots within the European Union. It is imperative that the solution respects all human rights and fundamental freedoms, thus ensuring a common European future for all citizens. We strongly support the current negotiations, led by President Anastasiades and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci. We sincerely wish that soon they will reach a mutually agreed and beneficial agreement for all concerned parties.
A united Cyprus, as a member of the United Nations and the European Union, has no need for guarantees from foreign countries. Other options that will strengthen the feeling of security for both communities must be examined.
The solution of the Cyprus problem can prove beneficial, not only to the people of Cyprus, but also to the people of all countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region, including Turkey. This island and its people, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins, deserve much more than a division that deprives them of their full potential.
Dear Friends,
It is obvious to all of us, that a new window of opportunity has opened for the solution of the Cyprus problem. We have to grasp this opportunity and try to make the most of it. So let us stop perceiving this new peace initiative as a competitive game. A game that one has to lose for the other one to win. Let us work together sincerely, as one team, to win the most important game of our lives. Let us create our common European future.
Let us think ourselves as compatriots. A united, federal Cyprus, with a single sovereignty and a single international personality, based on political equality. Imagine the vast capabilities of our human recourses. Where graduates from our educational system, are able to speak fluently Greek, Turkish and English. To act as service facilitators between Europe, Turkey, North Africa and the Middle East. Where Christians and Muslims grow up together, live together, make families and businesses together and send their children at the same schools. A world wide example of harmonious co-existence and productive cooperation within the EU. This is definitely a future worth believing in.
Our vision is one of a united Cyprus being in the heart of Europe on an equal basis. To be in a position to contribute constructively in the progress of the European Union and not creating problems in its operations. This is why a solution based on the European Acquis, the principles and values on which the European Union is founded, is in the best interests of all Cypriots.
Dear friends,
We do not pretend that the road for reaching a solution is without any difficulties. We understand that the two leaders are currently discussing the most difficult aspects of the problem, such as property issues, territory and security. We believe that mutually beneficial solutions can be reached, as long as we act within the framework I described earlier. That is why we strongly believe that the European Union and the international community have a significant role to play. By encouraging us to reach those compromises and by contributing positively in this process. Let us utilize the European Institutions in the preparation of the solution, rather than require their assistance afterwards.
The financial contribution of the international community in financing the solution will also be an important factor. However, one must not think in terms of cost, when referring to a viable solution. Instead, we must think of the solution in terms of investments and unique social, business and economic opportunities.
Had the German government considered the reunification of the country in 1990 only in terms of cost, then they would never have proceeded with the reunification. But which Germany is stronger? The current unified one or the Germanies in 1990?
Dear friends,
Please allow me to thank you again for your kind invitation and the opportunity to share with you my thoughts on the topic of today’s discussion. Let us wish that soon, a united Cyprus will become a feasible and tangible reality for all its citizens.
