Cypriot’s Voice met on the web on the 30th of December 2020 and having reviewed the current situation related to the Cyprus issues, concluded the following:
- We currently live with the strongest deadlock ever in the efforts for a Cyprus settlement. The change of approach declared by Turkey and Ersin Tatar by placing on the negotiations table a proposal for a “two state solution”, and the incursions regarding “opening” of Famagusta/VAROSHA, undermine the path to peace and reconciliation. Similar ideas which were spread by Nikos Anastasiadis created uncertainty and confusion. A two-state approach is an impossible proposition as it conflicts with the Security Council resolutions and the framework set by UN General Secretary, it opposes the will of Cypriots, and it does not have a chance of recognition by the international community, neither by EU nor the UN. It is therefore clear that those supporting such proposals are playing tactics to sustain the stalemate and perpetuate division which serves their own political goals. The responsibility therefore rests with Cypriot citizens to convey to and convince the UN, the EU and every involved power that the majority of Cypriots support Bizonal Bicommunal Federation as a negotiated settlement and to ask for a more proactive initiation of an international conference by Antonio Guterres for promoting a “five-party plus one” international conference for a Cyprus solution.
- Political equality is a fundamental human right which may become the basis for power sharing in a federal state where Cypriot citizenship among all Cypriots will ensure normal governance. A lasting negotiated Cyprus settlement must be based upon the principles described in clear language in the framework set up by the UN Secretary General at Crans Montana. The framework is adequate for the combination of convergencies reached during the negotiations process together with the UN Resolutions and the agreements achieved by the leaders in the past, into a concrete agreement leading to a BBF for the unification of Cyprus.
- Cypriots’ Voice calls upon the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to disassociate their strategies from Tatar’s political tactics and show unilateral tangible evidence of unconditional acceptance of the Guterres framework and the already agreed points in the Berlin Meeting, as a strategic agreement for a Cyprus solution that quarantines political equality, security of life and property and respect of every Cypriot’s cultural identity. The Government of the Republic should implement an aggressive peace campaign and apply measures that would promote confidence among Cypriots, such as: (a) Re-opening of the crossing points by applying rules of hygiene which must be set by the experts of both sides via the relevant technical committee, (b) Apportioning the vaccines received through EU channels and avail the share corresponding to Cypriot citizens in the north via a mechanism which can be briefly set up by the relevant technical committee, (c) Mobilize procedures for justice to expose the known criminal actors of the Aloa/Maratha/Santalari massacre thus setting the foundations for recognition and of the past atrocities of both sides and prevent future repetition.
- The Cyprus policy for offshore exploitation of probable reserves of natural gas and other fossil fuels proved to be an illusion. The tripartite alliances with neighbouring countries initiated by the Government of Cyprus caused chaotic reactions by Turkey and triggered antagonistic involvement of the international capital. Cypriots’ Voice demand an urgent change of this policy and establishment of politically sound relations for peace and reconciliation with all neighbouring nations.
- The culture of mass mobilization of Turkish Cypriots is beyond comparison more effective than the culture of quiet tolerance observed in the Greek Cypriot society. This becomes an obstacle for common simultaneous political mass demonstrations. Cypriots’ Voice initiates discussion with the aim to identify actions that can be performed in different channels for example webinars, social media campaigns, targeted addressees and others and identify ways and means for dissemination of communiqués, for connectivity with other bicommunal groups to encourage citizens’ participation in a common struggle for a peaceful permanent settlement of the Cyprus problem.
- Cypriots’ Voice calls upon all groups and initiatives working for reunification of Cyprus to combine efforts and set up a Citizen’s Assembly which could consist of activists and personalities from all Cypriot communities, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins seeking a supportive role by personalities from Greece, Turkey, Britain, and other EU countries. The Assembly could discuss and promote strategies of action to be implemented under the current restrictive times e.g., online people assemblies, demonstrations, polymorphic publicity for spreading the gospel for evolutionary build-up of a strong Cypriot federal culture in all aspects of a future society that can co-exist in equal status within the European Union and the world.
The spirit of Cypriot citizenship promoted for and by all Cypriots is a key that can lead to a permanent evolution of peace, reconciliation, and prosperity of Cypriots in their common homeland.
Communique No 38 – Cypriots’ Voice – 11/01/2021