Christodoulides: Cyprus Republic’s Continuation an ‘Absolute Red Line’

  President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday evening that the continuation of the Republic of Cyprus is an “absolute red line”, ruling out any discussion of a two-state solution or a disguised confederation and declaring that he would never become “the President of partition”. Speaking at a ceremony at the Presidential Palace marking the anniversaries of the 15 July 1974 coup against the lawful government and the 20 July 1974 Turkish invasion, the President described a settlement of the Cyprus problem as “the noblest aspiration” and “the mission” of his life. “The continuation of the Republic of Cyprus is an inviolable red line,” he said. “We are not discussing the dissolution, abolition, annulment or undermining of the internationally recognised state, which I have pledged to serve and safeguard.” No to two states or confederation Christodoulides reiterated that any future settlement must be based on the agreed United Nations framework for a bizonal, bicommunal federation and be fully aligned with European Union principles and law. Within this framework, the President said he will not discuss anything that points to a two-state solution, a disguised confederation or contains “constructive ambiguities”. An ‘absolute realist’ The President also pledged not to submit to the public any settlement plan he does not personally support. Christodoulides said he is “an absolute realist” and possesses the boldness and courage to negotiate, to stand his ground where necessary, and to compromise where core goals and aspirations are not compromised. “A solution to the Cyprus problem remains my noblest aspiration and the mission of my life,” he said. However, he added, he will not “become the President who signs a settlement that will not stand the test of time, that will not be functional or sustainable. And I certainly will not become the President of partition.” Christodoulides said recent efforts by the United Nations and the European Union had created grounds for cautious optimism despite years of deadlock in negotiations. EU link ‘thanks to government’ He referred to the forthcoming visit of UN Secretary-General António Guterres to Cyprus from 27 to 29 July while noting that the EU is assuming a “leading role”. He highlighted the appointment of Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, as the EU’s Special Envoy on Cyprus. The president took credit for creating a parallel track in the peace effort concerning progress in EU-Turkey relations and in peace talks – creating at the same time a point of reference for future evaluation should the two tracks ultimately get going. “At this critical juncture, it has become clear to everyone that progress in EU-Turkey relations is directly linked to substantive progress on the Cyprus issue. And this development is the result of the strategy we have charted and are implementing.” Christodoulides argued that renewed international engagement was the result of a sustained diplomatic strategy pursued since his administration took office, aimed at creating conditions for the resumption of negotiations after the collapse of talks at Crans-Montana in 2017. Message to Ankara and Turkish Cypriots Addressing Turkey, Christodoulides said a settlement benefiting all sides was possible if Ankara abandoned what he described as outdated approaches incompatible with modern-day Cyprus. He said such policies not only infringed on the rights of Greek Cypriots but also “effectively punish” Turkish Cypriots, who are deprived of the benefits of a modern European state because of the occupation. He added that the Republic of Cyprus treats Turkish Cypriots as equal citizens and pointed to support measures and non-discrimination policies as evidence. “This is also my message to the Turkish Cypriot leader regarding the Cyprus we envision—a country that will be our shared home, our common homeland,” he said. Existential issue The President described the Cyprus issue as an “existential” matter affecting all citizens and shaping the country’s future. “We are asking for nothing more than what every people and every individual deserves,” he said. Christodoulides referred to the “self-evident” right for “all legal citizens of the Republic of Cyprus, without exception – Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins – to enjoy the same rights as all other European citizens.” He said any settlement must guarantee peace, genuine security and prosperity while safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms. Addressing refugees, families of the missing and fallen, and war veterans, he said their resilience reinforced his commitment to reunification. “As the first President of the Republic of Cyprus from the post-war generation, I am fully aware of the historic responsibility entrusted to me,” he said. “Our goal is to hand down to our children a free homeland, greater than the one we inherited.” Source: CNA