Greek-Cypriot leader calls for common Cyprus future

NICOSIA – Anadolu Agency

DHA Photo

Greek-Cypriot administration leader Nicos Anastasiades said a solution to the Cyprus dispute was possible by bringing the island under a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and a single internationally-identified federation that was compatible with European legislation.

“Cyprus is our common home, common future. Let’s share this vision together. Let’s work to make Cyprus a modern European state,” Anastasiades said addressing a press conference with Turkish reporters late on Feb. 5 in Nicosia.      

He said a solution should be achieved for the sake of the international community.

The Greek-Cypriot leader also said Turkish Cypriot officials wanted a two-state solution and had asked for a re-definition of the solution process.

In October 2014, Turkey and the government of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus strongly opposed any “unilateral” move by the Greek-Cypriot administration to explore any hydrocarbon resources around the island, saying its natural resources should be exploited in a fair manner under a united Cyprus.

Negotiations between the Turkish Cyprus and the Greek-Cypriot administration had resumed after a two-year pause in February 2013.

However, the Greek-Cypriot administration suspended the talks over the divided island on Oct. 7, 2014, after Turkey sent a ship to monitor an oil and gas exploration mission off the coast of Cyprus.

Anastasiades asserted his priority is finding a solution of the Cypriot problem, but said resuming talks would mean the acceptance of a violation of his state’s rights.

“Which political leader would sit for negotiations under threat of war and without recognition of its rights?” he asked.

“I would be recognizing the right of intervention if I sit down for dialogue under these circumstances,” he said, adding he is determined to work for a solution on the basis of mutual respect.