Category: Main Issues

Greek Cypriot Leader Anastasiades more than happy collecting all of the ” Cyprus – fruits”!

Cyprus will devote a large part of its foreign policy focus on boosting and enhancing Cypriot-American relations, in all possible fields, President Nicos Anastasiades has said.

Anastasides was speaking late Friday at the annual dinner of the Cyprus Federation of America in New York. This year`s honoree was the American Jewish Committee, in recognition of its support to Cyprus.
Addressing the event, the president referred to bilateral relations with the US, the Cyprus issue, hydrocarbons, as well as relations with Israel.
In his speech the Anastasiades said 2014 had been a particularly important year for Cypriot-American relations. He specifically referred to the visit to Cyprus in May by US Vice President Joe Biden, whom he met with in New York earlier on Friday.

“The visit of Joe Biden, someone I feel honoured and privileged to now call a friend, was a milestone in our new, dynamic, and strategic relationship with the US, and proof, that the reorientation of our foreign policy is already bearing fruit. With Joe Biden, we spoke about Cyprus’s strategic realignment with Western institutions and security structures, its role, as the last outpost of the western alliance in an increasing tumultuous and violent Eastern Mediterranean, as well as its potential contribution to the energy security of Europe,” he said.
He said the government would devote a large part of its foreign policy focus in boosting and enhancing ties with Washington. “In that, as always, we count on your cooperation and support, your important contribution, and your network of relationships and alliances both inside the Congress, as well as the Administration, to move this relationship to another level, he told the US diaspora.

Referring to the American Jewish Committee, which was honored during the dinner, Anastasiades said that the AJC had worked tirelessly to advance ties between Cyprus, Israel and the United States, “mutually beneficial to our countries and peoples, and of immense significance in an ever changing Near East”.
The AJC had been pivotal in promoting and contributing to the enhancement of our partnership with Israel on all levels, political, economic, cultural and strategic, he said, adding that with its significant influence in world affairs as well within American politics, the AJC “has consistently and tirelessly supported the full restoration of the human rights and the fundamental freedoms of the people of Cyprus, and the just resolution of the Cyprus problem”.

He also spoke about the enhanced relations between Cyprus and Israel.
“In Cyprus, Israel recognises and can count on a stable and predictable partner, one that will consistently deliver on issues of bilateral concern, but also one that can represent the Israeli viewpoint as well the country’s needs and perspective to the outside world, especially within the EU. Cyprus stands ready and willing to work towards further expanding our relationship to Israel,” Anastasiades said.

Referring to the substantial hydrocarbons deposits in the Eastern Mediterranean and within Cyprus` and Israel`s Exclusive Economic Zones. He said the discovery, could play “a positive role towards peace and stability in our troubled region”, beyond the substantive and promising prospects for bilateral cooperation.
“In the model of the European Coal and Steel Community, our energy perspectives and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean, can form the catalyst for resolving our long-standing and seemingly intractable problems through a different perspective: that of economic cooperation and interdependence in exploiting and procuring our energy wealth,” he said.
In his earlier meeting with Biden, according to a White House statement, Anastasiades and the US Vice President agreed on the need to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the United States and Cyprus.

It said Biden and Anastasiades discussed the potential contributions Cyprus could towards a settlement of the region`s energy security and agreed that unifying the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation would be in the best interest of all Cypriots. (CNA)

  Küfi Seydali

Comment:

KS

It is obvious that Greek Cypriot leadership have learnt nothing from history. Using the somewhat strained relations beween America, Israel and Turkey, may bring some “fruits” for the Greek side, but, it will definitely not help solve the so called Cyprus Problem (50 years old). Everybody, including America, pay lip service to a bi-zonal solution, but, at the same time pretend the Turkish side do not exist. Recently both the American Embassador Konig and British High Commissioner Tod have said that the Cyprus problem can only be solved by the two sides in Cyprus. Now, imagine one side having America, the American Jewish  Congress, Israel the whole of the EU, and, to some extend Russia behind her! How can then a solution be found by the two sides? Hopefully, the Greek side does not collect some bitter fruits, as in the past (1964 – 1974)!

US Ambassador John Koenig

THE US and the UK both believe the key to a peace solution lies in Cyprus, as opposed to the Cypriot government’s argument that Ankara holds the key to progress.

In separate interviews published on either side of the dividing line, the heads of the diplomatic missions of the two permanent members of the UN Security Council both expressed satisfaction with Turkey’s support for the peace process so far.

In an interview with Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris, US Ambassador John Koenig highlighted Turkey’s support to a Cyprus solution, in stark contrast to Nicosia’s argument that Ankara has yet to show in practice what it says in public about wanting a settlement.

Turkish Prime Minister Davutoglu

Asked to comment on statements by Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu during his recent visit to the occupied north, Koenig said: “We were very satisfied with the Turkish support offered to the Cyprus problem. We believe that Turkey’s contribution is of vital importance for a compromise in Cyprus.”

The American diplomat said Cyprus is discussed at the highest level during contacts between the US and Turkey, noting that Secretary of State John Kerry recently discussed with Davutoglu their common interests in supporting a Cyprus solution.

Koenig said he hoped to see the benefits of this broad support for the peace process lead towards a solution.

“However, what is essentially important is for the sides in Cyprus to continue having a will for progress and solving the differences. This is the essence of the Cyprus problem,” he was quoted as saying.

According to Kibris, the American diplomat recalled that the solution process is Cypriot-led, arguing that the key lies in the hands of both leaders and their respective communities.

British High Commissioner Damian Roderic Todd

In a separate interview with the Cyprus News Agency, the new British High Commissioner, Damian Roderic Todd, said the key to a solution lies with the Cypriots, who need to reach agreement on what a settlement looks like.

He argued that a political settlement, based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with single citizenship, sovereignty and international identity, will serve the interests of the people of Cyprus.

“As soon as I arrived I had the opportunity to visit and walk in the buffer zone. And the same thought always comes to mind: what a waste of potential. The continuation of the division in Cyprus is such a waste,” he said.

Todd highlighted the strong ties between the UK and Turkey, pointing to Ankara`s importance in NATO and London’s support to Turkey’s EU aspirations.

“This is in no sense contrary to good relations with others,” he added.

According to Todd, Turkey wants to see a solution in Cyprus and supports UN efforts to that effect.

“We feel the Turkish government does want to see a solution in Cyprus. It supports UN efforts and has made clear the wish to be engaged in this,” he said.

Asked whether recent public statements by the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leadership contradict the agreed basis of a solution, Todd said the joint declaration agreed between the two leaders on February 11 is “a clear statement” on the kind of settlement to be reached.

Asked where he thinks the key to a solution lies, the British diplomat replied: “It lies here among the Cypriots” who need to reach an agreement and feel comfortable with it.
“Ultimately it is for the leaders to meet and talk and agree, then the people will vote in a referendum,” he said.

Todd also hinted at the danger posed to a divided Cyprus, on the edge of a very volatile region.

Regional problems make it all the more important for Cypriots to find a way to solve the problem, he added.

Regarding the recent meetings of Turkish Cypriot ‘foreign minister’ Ozdil Nami in London with Foreign Office officials, on which the Cypriot government was highly critical, the High Commissioner reiterated that the UK recognises only the Republic of Cyprus and no other entity.

However, Britain attaches great importance to dialogue with the Turkish Cypriots and will continue this dialogue, said Todd.

Meanwhile, regarding a potential visit by Kerry to the island, Koenig told Kibris that the State Secretary would come when the time was right, adding that the US has “positive but cautious expectations” about the process.

“We will wait and see the work of the two leaders and the UN in October during the new stage of the negotiations and I hope that we will work in the direction of planning the visit in case the developments are as we expect them to be,” he said.

Koenig did not rule out the option of the US appointing a special envoy to Cyprus at some point, saying this was always under consideration, though there was nothing to announce at present.

Regarding confidence-building measures (CBMs), the US ambassador hailed improved relations between the island’s religious leaders and businessmen, but expressed the view that there are other CBMs which could tackle the mistrust between the communities.

Asked to elaborate, Koenig replied: “The issue of Famagusta continues to attract attention and needs full support by all sides.”

He stressed that the Famagusta package of CBMs includes more than just an expert’s study of the fenced area. It also entails connecting Turkish Cypriots to the international market through the port and possibly airport, getting Cypriots to work together to realise the benefits of a solution, and protecting the area’s cultural heritage, including within the walled city of Famagusta and ancient Salamis. ( Stefanos Evripidou ?

  Küfi Seydali

 

“The key to a solution lies with the Cypriots”

UK High Commissioner Damian Roderic Todd in Nocosia

 

The key to the Cyprus solution lies with the Cypriots, who need to reach agreement on what a settlement looks like, British High Commissioner in Nicosia Damian Roderic Todd has said, pointing out that a political settlement will serve the interests of the people of Cyprus and noting that no-one can assume that a frozen conflict will always stay frozen.

In an interview with CNA, he said the solution will be a bizonal bicommunal federation, with a single citizenship, one sovereignty and international personality, something supported by the friends of Cyprus.

“As soon as I arrived I had the opportunity to visit and walk in the buffer zone. And the same thought always comes to mind: what a waste of potential. The continuation of the division in Cyprus is such a waste,” he noted.

He believes that Turkey wants to see a solution in Cyprus and supports UN efforts to that effect, adding that good relations with Ankara are not contrary to good ties with others.

On the recent meetings Turkish Cypriot politician Ozdil Nami had in London with Foreign Office officials, he reiterated that the UK recognises only the Republic of Cyprus, and no other entity, noting that Britain attaches great importance to the dialogue with the Turkish Cypriots and will continue this dialogue. He described London`s explanation on the matter as “reasonable.”

On bilateral ties, he said they are extraordinarily close, and referred to human and historical ties, in addition to trade links, cooperation on combating crime, reforming Cyprus` civil service, and to various other fields.

Referring to the role of the Sovereign British Bases, on the island, he said “they are very important for Cyprus, the UK, Europe and our shared security.”

In his interview, the High Commissioner said UN resolutions and the Joint Declaration, agreed between the leaders of the island`s two communities, set out the framework of a solution, saying that there is support for a settlement from the international community, Greece, Turkey, the UK, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Cypriots, he said, seem to be impatient to have the problem solved.

Invited to qualify Turkey`s support, he referred to Ankara`s importance in NATO, London`s support to Turkey`s European aspirations and added “this is in no sense contrary to good relations with others.”

“We feel the Turkish government does want to see a solution in Cyprus, it supports UN efforts and has made clear the wish to be engaged in this,” he replied.

Asked if he sees any discrepancy between public remarks by Turkish officials and Turkish Cypriots and what has been agreed on the solution, he said the Joint Declaration is “a clear statement” on the settlement to be reached, pointing out that everybody agrees that the current status quo is not acceptable and the UK will do all it can to help bring about a solution.

Asked where he thinks the key to the solution lies, he replied “it lies here among the Cypriots, they need to reach agreement” and feel comfortable with it as it will be put to a referendum.

“Ultimately it is for the leaders to meet and talk and agree, then the people will vote in a referendum,” he explained.

Questioned further on Turkey`s role as an occupation power, he said Cypriots must feel comfortable with the solution, and referred to many bicommunal initiatives by Cypriots, which he said are important and evidence of how people are promoting confidence.

On regional developments, in relation to Cyprus, he had this to say “we cannot assume that Cyprus is and always will be immune to developments, we cannot assume the status quo will continue,” noting that problems in the region make it all important for Cypriots to find a way to solve the problem.

He also said there is a need for sustained intelligent, consistent approach over time to stop the Islamic State, which he described as an organisation with a “brutal and murderous approach” which has prompted a humanitarian disaster. The UK, he added, at the forefront of humanitarian aid has sent so far assistance worth 25 million pounds sterling to thousands of people affected by the situation.

On the role of the SBA, in humanitarian, military and intelligence matters, he said the “SBA are a very significant element in the way the UK and Cyprus are able to respond to tackle challenges they face”, adding that the Bases have been used to send humanitarian supplies to thousands of people.

Todd expressed appreciation to the government for its support in this. The High Commissioner refrained from any comment on SBA operational matters, saying “we watch the situation very closely.”

“We see the SBA as very important for Cyprus, the UK and Europe and our shared security. The nature of UK-Cyprus relations is so deep and significant for each of us and we need to see the SBA in that context,” he added.

On bilateral ties, he referred to human and historical ties which are “very deep and extremely close.” He acknowledged that parts of the history are bad but this should not be an obstacle to good bilateral relations. He recalled that 300,000 Cypriots live in the UK, 65,000 British reside in Cyprus and some 11,000 Cypriot are studying in the UK.

He said Cyprus is a big trading partner, and expressed hope that trade links will be further enhanced.

He also referred to the assistance London gives to Nicosia on the efforts to reform the civil service, in particular the ministries of defence, foreign affairs and justice with the help of experts from the National School of Government, who are visiting the island the week 22 – 26 of September. This, he pointed out, reflects the close ties and is an example of how human relations can work.

“We also work together on combating crime, on dispute resolution in trade matters and on cooperation in policing,” he added.

Asked if advice given is heeded, he praised the Cypriots for their ability to respond to reform, a trait he described as an “enormous asset.” There is a strong acceptance in Cyprus that reforms are necessary to bring the economy out of recession and the economic crisis has heightened this,” he noted, adding that “Cypriots and society at large have shown an ability to respond to reform and this is an enormous asset.”

“We have to think of ourselves in the 21st century as partners. We share views in the EU, the vision of where the EU should go, our ties within the EU can develop further,” he said, responding to other questions.

The EU, he told CNA, has been a successful enterprise in many ways over many years but it needs to evolve to focus on how to make people more secure, increase prosperity and respond to the need for people to feel that it is more democratic and that it delivers better results for them.

“We want the EU to be flexible, competitive, diverse, strong and respectful of individual countries and of the fact that voters are national voters,” he concluded.

On a more personal noted, he said he would like to “build on bilateral ties, develop further relations in human, educational and other terms, help increase trade,” reiterating the importance of finding a negotiated settlement in Cyprus.

Maria Myles

 

  Küfi Seydali

 

Greek Cypriot Leader Anastasiades and General EL-Sissi of Egypt

 

The discovery of important gas/oil reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean could and must serve as a catalyst for a broader cooperation on a regional level,  Nicos Anastasiades and  Abdel Fattah el-Sisi have highlighted, according to a joint communiqué issued following their meeting held on Tuesday 23rd in New York.

According to the joint communiqué, the two Leaders discussed issues of mutual interest, including the political transition in Egypt, the negotiations on the Cyprus Problem, the recent developments in the Middle East (Syria, Iraq, Libya, Gaza) and their impact on regional security and economy.

Cyprus and Egypt stressed the importance of cooperation of the moderate forces in the area to tackle the regional challenges and defy terrorism, in all its forms.

Cyprus expressed its support for the road map, as decided by the Egyptian people. Egypt reaffirmed its firm support for a solution of the Cyprus Problem on the basis of the UNSC resolutions.

Cyprus and Egypt reconfirmed the excellent state of their bilateral relations and expressed their determination to further strengthen their mutually beneficial cooperation and to build a strategic relationship between the two countries.

Following the acceptance of the invitation extended by Nicos Anastasiades to Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to visit Cyprus for the first time by the end of the year, something that will greatly enhance bilateral relations in all fields.

The two Leaders expressed their commitment to intensify the exchange of visits and consultations between the two Governments in the next few months in order to be able to ratify bilateral agreements on issues that are currently being discussed when El-Sissi of Egypt visits Cyprus.

The two leaders, finally agreed to further promote cooperation between the EU and the Arab world.

  Küfi Seydali

Comment:

Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades, is taking advantage of the strained relations between Egypt and Turkey, the Motto being; “my enemy’s enemy is my friend”. In world politics this sort of  games can turn sour fairly quickly. The foreign policy of any country should be compatible with its economic as well as military capabilities. The Greek Cypriot government is economically buncrupt (needs EU money like bread and butter) and militarily, compared to her neighbors is insignificant!

 

The leaders of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities decided to accelerate talks aimed at reunifying the divided island, it was announced on Wednesday.

Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu have also agreed to meet twice a month.

 Nicos Anastasiades (Greek Cypriot leader)

  Dervis Eroglu (Turkish Cypriot leader)

The announcement was made by the UN following a meeting between the two leaders.

Speaking afterwards, Anastasiades said “there has been a constructive discussion” highlighting the need for the two sides to engage in a substantive dialogue to change the current situation.

Asked if he is optimistic, Anastasiades replied that he did not want to make any statements that might be perceived as engaging in the usual “blame game.”

  Küfi Seydali

18.09.2014