• Resumption of intercommunal talks, Annan Plan (4.12.2001-14.1.2003)
• Second Revised Annan Plan, collapse of talks at The Hague, Annan Report, Cyprus signs EU Accession Treaty (15.1.2003-16.4.2003)
• Partial easing of restrictions in the movement of Turkish Cypriots – Measures for the Turkish Cypriots- Denktash brings out the Confident Building Measures of 1993 – Clearing of Mines – Framework Customs Agreement between Turkey and the pseudo state (23.4.2003-9.8.2003)
• Turkey compensates Titina Loizidou – The so-called “elections” in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus – President Papadopoulos calls on the UN Secretary-General to reengage in the Cyprus problem – Letter by Annan to the leaders of the two communities on the issue of the Missing Persons
• Talks - Burgenstock - Fifth Annan Plan - referenda - UN SG’s Report - Reply by President - Turkey granted date for EU accession negotiations
• Developments (January – December 2005) - Consultations on the resumption of talks
• Developments (January – March 2006)
• Developments (April - June 2006)
• July 2006 - Agreement on matters of day-to-day life and substance
• August - UN Security Council calls for implementation of 8 July agreement
• September - December 2006
• January - December 2007
• January 2008
• Demetris Christofias – New President of the Republic
• Developments (March- August 2008)
• Launch of full-fledged negotiations on the Cyprus problem (September 2008 - April 2009)
• Limnitis opens, latest developments (May - December 2009)
• Developments ( January- August 2010)

Asked to respond to statements by Mr Denktash calling the Annan plan “a crime against humanity”, Mr Eckhard said that if the Turkish Cypriot leader had indeed made that statement, he would have to disagree with him. He added that the Secretary-General was merely offering his good offices so that a unified Cyprus could accede to the EU, saying, “He is trying to help them”.

Second Revised Annan Plan, collapse of talks at The Hague, Annan Report, Cyprus signs EU Accession Treaty (15.1.2003-16.4.2003)

Direct peace talks resume once more

On 15 January, President Clerides and Mr Denktash met at the UN-protected area of the Nicosia airport, in the presence of Mr De Soto, and reiterated their commitment to negotiate on the basis of the Secretary-General’s revised proposal of 10 December 2002, with a view to completing an agreement by the end of February so that informed decisions can be taken by the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in separate referenda on 30 March 2003.

On 17 January, Mr. Clerides and Mr. Denktash agreed to continue their meetings, under UN auspices, on a thrice-weekly basis - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - in order to find a solution to the Cyprus problem by 28 February 2003.

UN Secretary General submits a second revised Solution Plan - Hague

The UN Secretary General visited Cyprus from 26 to 28 February 2003.

During his visit Mr Annan gave the newly elected President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Denktash a second revised Solution Plan. At the same time they accepted an invitation to travel to The Hague on 10 March and to say whether they were prepared or not to sign a commitment, during their stay there, to submit the Second Revised Plan to approval at separate simultaneous referenda on 30 March in order to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

Mr Annan also asked the two leaders to arrive in The Hague having completed all necessary internal consultation processes, so that on 10 March their response would be definitive. “Cyprus has a rendezvous with destiny”, Mr Annan said characteristically.

Following intense consultations at The Hague, Mr Annan announced on 11 March, the collapse of this particular effort to conduct separate simultaneous referenda, which would lead to a solution, saying that "we have reached the end of the road”, and that “it will clearly not be possible to achieve a comprehensive settlement before the signing of the Accession Treaty of Cyprus to the European Union on 16 April."

Referring to the positions expressed by the two sides at The Hague, Mr Annan pointed out that Mr Papadopoulos was prepared to submit the Plan to approval at a referendum, provided that the gaps in the Second Revised Plan regarding federal legislation and the constituent state constitutions would be filled, so that the people would know what they were being asked to vote on. Mr Papadopoulos also underlined the importance of Greece and Turkey agreeing and committing to the provisions of the plan regarding security. It must be noted that the undertaking of such a responsibility on the question of security was an indispensable prerequisite to the Annan Plan.

Mr Denktash, according to the statement of the UN Secretary General, answered that he was not prepared to agree to put the plan to referendum. He said he had fundamental objections to the plan on basic points. He believed that further negotiations were only likely to be successful if they began from a new starting point and if the parties agreed on basic principles. He added that Turkey was in any case not in a position to sign the statement requested of the guarantors because this first required the authorisation of parliament.

Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey blamed for the outcome of the talks at The Hague

Foreign Governments and international organisations put the blame on the Turkish Cypriot side and on Turkey for the outcome at The Hague. Characteristically we cite the following:

The Spokesman of the US State Department Mr Richard Boucher stated that the US finds it “very regrettable that Mr. Denktash has denied Turkish Cypriots the opportunity to determine their own future and to vote on such a fundamental issue.” In addition Mr Boucher expressed the view that reaching an agreement “would not only benefit the people of Cyprus or the security of Turkey, but also Turkey's accession to the European Union.'' (12.3.2003)

Britain’s Special Representative on the Cyprus problem Lord David Hanney, in a statement to Reuters news agency expressed regret at the outcome of the talks at The Hague: ''I am sad about it but I do not think that Mr Denktash left him (Annan) any alternative”, he said.(11.3.2003)

Moreover, the British Minister for Europe, Mr Dennis Mac Shane, replying to questions after his speech before the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons, on 8 April 2003 expressed regret that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Rauf Denktash, "did not seize the opportunity, offered to him, of the Kofi Annan plan", and said that the Turkish government should have put more pressure on Mr Denktash.

The UN Secretary-General’s Spokesman, Mr Fred Eckhard, invited to say who is responsible for the collapse of the talks on Cyprus, said: “You saw in my statement that the Greek-Cypriot leader indicated a willingness to put the matter to a referendum under certain conditions. The Turkish-Cypriot leader said the plan was unacceptable. So, you can draw your own conclusions.” (11.3.2003)

Mr Jean Christophe Filori, Press Spokesman of the European Commissioner for Enlargement Mr Gunter Verheugen, replying to questions said that if there was still no peace settlement when the EU executive reported in December 2004 on Turkey's own bid to open accession talks, it would be very difficult to recommend starting negotiations.

"If by the time of the report at the end of 2004 there is still no settlement on Cyprus, we will be facing this rather weird situation where a candidate country knocking at the door does not recognise one of our own member states", he said.

Asked whether the EU would consider part of its territory under illegal occupation after Cyprus' accession, Mr Filori replied: ''Yes, we can look at things in that way. This occupation has always been considered illegal by the international community, including the EU. Nothing changes there". (11.3.2003)

Denktash submits proposals - they are rejected by President Papadopoulos

Only two days (2.4.2003) before the submission of the Secretary General’s Report to the UN Security Council, the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Rauf Denktash, in an effort to avoid being blamed for the collapse of the talks at The Hague, sends a letter to the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos in which he refers to the socio-psychological dimension of the Cyprus issue and especially the deep crisis of confidence between the two sides.

In his letter he suggests inter alia:

The opening of the fenced area of Varosha south of Democratias Street, including the area extending to the UN Buffer Zone,

The lifting of restriction on trade , transport, travel, and cultural and sports activities in both parts of Cyprus

Steps to be taken gradually for the normalization of the flow of goods between the two sides on the island.

In his letter Mr Denktash stresses that the packet of ideas and suggestions constitute an integrated whole and that the proposals have to be accepted as a whole.

The following day, 3.4.2003, the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos sends a reply letter to Mr Denktash saying that “he does not share the view that the stalemate at The Hague was due to the socio-psychological" dimension of the problem and especially the deep crisis of confidence between the two sides".

The President stresses that “the Mission of Good Offices of the Secretary General represents the best hope for us to proceed forward towards a comprehensive settlement” and calls on Mr Denktash to indicate at the outset that he:

(a) Accepts the continuation of the good offices mission of the Secretary General, as provided for in the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions

(b) Accepts the Plan of the Secretary General as a basis for a further negotiating process

With the measures that he had suggested, Mr Denktash΄s aim was clear: on one hand he wanted to create the impression within the international community that he had the good will to solve the Cyprus problem and on the other hand to avoid the blame, even though he was eventually held responsible in the report of the UN Secretary General, paragraph 130, which stated “that Mr. Denktash, the Turkish Cypriot leader, bears prime responsibility,” as well as in UN Security Council Resolution 1475 (14.4.2003), which referred to the “negative approach of the Turkish Cypriot leader”.

The Report of the UN Secretary General to the UN Security Council

The Secretary General’s report to the UN Security Council, which was given to the interested parties on 4 April 2003, clearly puts the blame for the collapse of the efforts to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem between June 1999 and 11 March 2003, on Mr Denktash. The report is basically a chronicle of Denktash΄s refusal to engage in substantive and sincere negotiations for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Indicatively the following references are mentioned from the Chapters Observations and Proximity talks of the Report:

Observations

“130. In the case of the failure of this latest effort, I believe that Mr. Denktash, the Turkish Cypriot leader, bears prime responsibility.”

“132. I regret his more recent failure expeditiously to appoint the Turkish Cypriot members of the technical committees to recommend the laws and treaties which would be attached to the overall settlement, as agreed on 4 October 2002, so that they could begin their work immediately. This led to a debilitating delay in the work of the committees, which began only in mid-January 2003: more than three of the five months available were lost. Mr. Denktash΄s decision to stop Turkish Cypriot participation in the work of the committees immediately after my departure from the island at the end of February was a further blow to the efforts under way.”

“134. Notwithstanding the considerable efforts, described in the report, to

accommodate the interests of the Turkish Cypriots, Mr. Denktash, at The Hague, rejected my appeal to send the plan to a referendum so that his people could decide on it. He asked that the negotiation should revert to square one for an open-ended discussion of principles, and refused to contemplate a work programme - as well as the resumption of the work of the technical committees - that alone would have made it possible to achieve a settlement before the signature on 16 April of the Treaty of Accession to the European Union. Faced with Mr. Denktash΄s adamant opposition to considering credible ways to meet that deadline, I was left with no alternative but to terminate the process.”

The Proximity Talks

“24. Despite my best efforts, I was never able to convince Mr. Denktash that the “realities” of the Cyprus problem were not only the realities on the ground but the realities of international law and international politics;”

Regarding the Greek Cypriot side’s stance, the UN Secretary General Mr Annan says in his report, inter alia, that at The Hague Mr Papadopoulos conditionally agreed to his request that the plan be submitted to referendum, and that he expressed the willingness not to reopen negotiations on the plan itself if Mr. Denktash reciprocated in kind. Mr Annan also said that Mr. Papadopoulos, although thrown into the leadership of the Greek Cypriot side at a very late stage, accepted that continuity existed with his predecessor.

The UN Security Council blames Denktash

The UN Security Council unanimously approved Resolution 1475 (14.4.2003) with which it expresses regret because due “to the negative approach of the Turkish Cypriot leader, culminating in the position taken at the 10-11 March 2003 meeting in The Hague, it was not possible to reach agreement to put the plan to simultaneous referenda”.

Moreover it “gives its full support to the Secretary-General’s carefully balanced plan of 26 February 2003 as a unique basis for further negotiations, and calls on all concerned to negotiate within the framework of the Secretary-General’s Good Offices, using the plan to reach a comprehensive settlement”

Finally after reaffirming all its resolutions on Cyprus, in particular resolution 1250 (1999) of 29 June 1999 aimed at achieving agreement on a comprehensive Cyprus settlement, it stresses its full support for the Secretary-General’s mission of Good Offices.

Cyprus signs EU Accession Treaty

On 16 April 2003, Cyprus, together with the other nine countries, signed in Athens the Accession Treaty to the European Union. The treaty, which was signed by the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, would enable Cyprus, as from 1st May 2004, to become a full member of the European Union.

In his speech, Mr Papadopoulos, after referring to the signing of the treaty as a crowning landmark and a momentous event, expressed regret that “the artificial walls of division and the line of separation that was imposed by force prevent our Turkish Cypriot compatriots from proceeding with us, within the framework of a reunited Cyprus, on the way to Europe.” He also reiterated his “firm commitment to exert every effort to achieve a peaceful, workable and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, which will reunite the people and the country that are divided today, in a united, and now enlarged, European Union”.

Moreover, Mr Jean Christophe Filori, Spokesman of EU Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen, said in a statement to the Cyprus News Agency on 16 April 2004 that the European Union considers that it is still possible to achieve a solution to the Cyprus problem even after the accession of Cyprus to the European Union and for this reason in the Protocol on Cyprus there is a provision that in the event of a Cyprus settlement, the suspension of the application of the Acquis Communautaire in the Turkish occupied areas will be lifted.

Concluding, Mr Filori said that the EU recognises only one state and now the whole island will accede to the EU, but the Acquis Communautaire will not apply to the northern part of Cyprus until a solution is found.

Partial easing of restrictions in the movement of Turkish Cypriots – Measures for the Turkish Cypriots- Denktash brings out the Confident Building Measures of 1993 – Clearing of Mines – Framework Customs Agreement between Turkey and the pseudo state (23.4.2003-9.8.2003)


Partial lifting of movement restrictions by the occupation regime

The pseudo state, through a decision of the so called “Ministerial Council”, allowed from 23.4.2003 Turkish Cypriots to cross over to the free areas and Greek Cypriots to cross over to the Turkish-occupied areas, demanding, however, the presentation of a passport and the issuing of entry visas for Greek Cypriots and exit visas for Turkish Cypriots.

As a result of the partial lifting of restrictions on the freedom of movement, thousands of Greek and Turkish Cypriots cross the demarcation line.


The Government’s Policy towards the Turkish Cypriots

As long as the situation of non solution to the Cyprus problem continued, the Government announced on 30.4.2003, a package of measures that offered the Turkish Cypriots, who live mainly in the Turkish occupied areas, the opportunity to enjoy, to the extent possible, the rights and benefits that the Republic of Cyprus offers its citizens. The implementation of the measures is within the context of legality, international law and the Acquis Communautaire.

The aforementioned measures concern, inter alia, the following:
The movement of goods, the movement of persons and vehicles, the employment in the Government controlled areas of technically qualified Turkish Cypriot personnel, the assignment of contracting and subcontracting to Turkish Cypriots in the occupied areas, the professional training of Turkish Cypriots, the participation of Turkish Cypriots in international sports events and in events abroad, medical care, the issue of certificates and other documents, the protection of cultural heritage, the de-mining of the buffer zone, cooperation at local authorities΄ level, the participation of Turkish Cypriots in the elections of local authorities, telecommunications with the Turkish occupied areas and Turkey, measures for the relatives of the Turkish Cypriot missing persons and killed non-combatants, the establishment of a bi-communal committee for humanitarian issues and the upgrading of Turkish Cypriot programmes of the Cyprus broadcasting corporation. For the coordination of the implementation of the aforementioned measures an Office for Turkish Cypriot Affairs would be established, headed by a Commissioner who would have specific competences:


President Papadopoulos: the measures are not a substitute for the efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem

Announcing the set of measures for the Turkish Cypriots, the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos made it clear that the recent lifting of the restrictions by the occupation regime cannot substitute the efforts for finding for a solution to the Cyprus problem. “The solution of the Cyprus problem”, he said, “must be sought in the framework of the United Nations under the aegis of the UN Secretary-General and according to the UN Security Council resolutions and that the effort of Denktash to create impressions by supposedly seeking “good neighbourly relations” does not constitute a solution.

In addition, the President of the Republic called upon the Turkish side to take specific measures which would contribute to the improvement of the prospect of constructive negotiations on the Cyprus problem. Consequently the President called on the Turkish side:
1. To place the town of Famagusta, under the administration of the United Nations as provided for in the UN Security Council Resolutions, for reconstruction and for the return of its legitimate citizens;
2. To commit itself to the gradual withdrawal of the Turkish occupation troops and settlers from the Turkish occupied areas with the aim of achieving the complete demilitarization of Cyprus;
3. To take the necessary measures for the full implementation of the Third Vienna Agreement of 1975 regarding the enclaved
4. To agree to the immediate implementation of the Agreement of 31 July 1997 between Clerides and Denktash on the issue of the missing persons
5. To agree to the immediate commencement of restoration to churches, cemeteries and other sacred and archaeological monuments in the occupied areas.

International factor: The partial lifting of restrictions on movement does not constitute a solution of the Cyprus problem

Various representatives of the international community as well as organized Greek and Turkish Cypriot groups expressed the position that the partial lifting of restrictions on movement from and to the Turkish - occupied areas of Cyprus does not constitute a solution of the Cyprus problem.


USA

The Special Co-ordinator of the US State Department Ambassador Thomas Weston speaking at an event organised by the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) in Washington DC on 14 May 2003 stressed that “there is no way to get a settlement other than through the UN”.

Regarding the movement of the Greek and Turkish Cypriots to and from the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus Mr Weston noted: “It is absolutely incredible how peaceful and positive this whole experience has been.”

He made it clear however that these moves do not constitute a solution since they do not and will not solve some very basic issues such as property and security which are included in the UN Secretary-General's Plan.

This position that the easing of restrictions on the freedom of movement as well as the measures taken by the Greek Cypriot side on 30 April constitutes neither a settlement nor a solution of the Cyprus problem was also expressed by the American Ambassador to Cyprus Mr Michael Klosson after a meeting with President Papadopoulos on 8.5.2003.

US Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, speaking at the 14th PSEKA (World Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus) annual Conference on 12.6.2003, characterised the decision of the occupation regime to lift the restrictions on the movement of persons as a move of tactics on the part of the Turkish side, which does not touch the essence of the problem.


Britain

The British Minister for Trade, Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean speaking in the House of Lords welcomed the easing of restrictions on movement across the ceasefire line, underlining, however, that it is not a substitute for a comprehensive settlement on the basis of the UN peace plan.

Moreover, the British Minister for Europe, Mr Denis MacShane replying to questions on Cyprus in the House of Commons on 10 June 2003 noted that “the Turkish Government, Parliament and military have an historic responsibility to press Mr Denktash to reach an agreement within the Annan proposals and then allow a united Cyprus to enter the European Union”.

In reply to a question put forward by the Conservative Member of Parliament Mr Spring, Mr McShane praised the measures adopted by the Cyprus Government for the Turkish Cypriots stressing that “the main stumbling block remains the position of Mr Denktash.”


Russia

Russia too, through the Special Representative for Cyprus at the Russian Foreign Ministry, Mr Vladimir Prygin, referred to the situation created in Cyprus after the announcement of the measures in April 2003.

More specifically Mr Prygin in a statement after a meeting with the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos in Nicosia on 12.5.2003 said, inter alia, that he felt sorry that the efforts of the United Nations failed due to the negative stance of the Turkish Cypriot side as this is noted in the Report of the UN Secretary General and in the Resolution 1475 of the UN Security Council. The Russian official said that the measures announced by President Papadopoulos in favour of the Turkish Cypriots and the partial lifting of restrictions on the freedom of movement “are serious steps in the right direction”. “The measures are proof of the will of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to live together peacefully”, he added.


United Nations

The Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, Mr Fred Eckhard, made reference on 5th May 2003 to the situation created in Cyprus saying that “while freedom of movement would be a key element in any settlement, it must be lasting, and in any case all the other core issues remain,” and expressed at the same time the satisfaction of the United Nations for the smooth movement of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots across the buffer zone.


Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot groups on the measures

The Leader of the Republican Turkish Party Mehmet Ali Talat in a statement, after a meeting with the General Secretary of AKEL and President of the House of Representatives Mr Demitris Christofias on 12.5.2003, stressed that the demand for the presentation of passports for movement within the limits of the Republic of Cyprus is unacceptable.

Moreover, the Permanent Committee of the All Cyprus Trade Union Forum, which comprises of Greek and Turkish Cypriot trade unions, in an announcement issued after its meeting in Nicosia on 13 May 2003, welcomes the partial lifting of restrictions on movement and the other measures announced which helped the two communities to come together and to reconfirm their wish to live together in their common country.

The Permanent Committee for the All Trade Union Forum comprises of the Greek Cypriot Organisations PASYDY, PEO and SEK and the Turkish Cypriot organisations DEV-Is TURK-SEN and KTAMS. In its statement the Permanent Committee expresses the firm evaluation that although the latest measures are a development which is welcomed, yet in no circumstance can they be considered as a solution to the problem which separates the country and the people.

In addition the representatives of Overseas Cypriots, Greeks and Turks who live in Greece (OKOE) and Turkey (KIBES) had a common meeting in Athens on 1 June 2003, after which they issued a common declaration which states, inter alia, that the partial lifting of the restrictions on communication in Cyprus which came about due to the pressure and efforts of Cypriots for rapprochement and an honest and workable solution, demonstrated the maturity and the will of the Cypriots to live in peace and show respect to each other. All these demolished the myths about the impossibility of coexistence. “The present situation does not constitute a solution but it imposes more than ever, the need for a final and definite settlement,” the declaration adds.


Greek and Turkish Cypriots have proven that they can live together in a united Cyprus

Referring to the movement of Turkish Cypriots from the occupied areas to the Government-controlled areas and of Greek Cypriots from the Government-controlled areas to the occupied areas, President Papadopoulos said that "Greek and Turkish Cypriots have shown that they desire to and can live together in a reunited country, proving wrong and unfounded Mr Denktash΄s allegation that the security of the two communities necessitates the presence of occupation forces and the preservation of the dividing wall and that any solution of the Cyprus problem, to be lasting, should include separate provisions and long periods for the implementation of the Acquis Communautaire.”

From the very first day that the restrictions on movement were partially lifted, thousands of Greek and Turkish Cypriots gathered at the crossing points of Ledra Pallas, Pergamos and Strovilia in order to visit their ancestral homes. Greek and Turkish Cypriots, in particular those who came from mixed villages had the opportunity to reunite and bring back to memory scenes form the past when there was harmonious coexistence in the whole of Cyprus.

The Cyprus government in an effort to facilitate the movement of Turkish Cypriots initially provided buses for their transport free of charge to Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos. The numbers talk for themselves. Thousands of people of every age cross the demarcation line, every day, for visits to their loved places or in order to become familiar with the other half of their country. According to data provided by the Cyprus Police from 23/4/2003 to 31/8/2003, 795,740 Greek Cypriots and 664,564 Turkish Cypriots crossed the Green Line.


Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Denktash brings out the Confidence Building Measures of 1993.

The Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Denktash, in a move to create impressions, sent the UN Secretary General Mr Annan a letter in which he suggests a return to the 1993 Confidence Building Measures which were submitted by the then UN Secretary General Mr Boutros Ghali. In a press conference on 11 July 2003, Mr Denktash said that in his letter to Mr Annan he had asked him to bring back on the agenda the Confidence Building Measures of 1993. Specifically, Mr Denktash said: “we propose the opening of the Nicosia International Airport for the two sides on the island under UN supervision and, in return, as will be seen in our package, the opening of a part of the closed sector of Varosha”. He added that if there were positive steps on the matter, then Turkey would open its seaports and airports to the Greek Cypriots. Mr Denktash΄s letter to Mr Annan was copied to President Papadopoulos.


Reaction of President Papadopoulos

In an immediate reaction to Denktash΄s move, President Papadopoulos made a statement on 11 July 2003 in which he reiterated the Greek Cypriot side's firm policy that “it will remain always ready and willing to resume talks on the basis of the Annan plan for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem that will lift the division and bring about a reunited Cyprus, where the entire people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, will enjoy equally the benefits of peace and prosperity in the context of a single state with a common sovereignty.”

"Mr Rauf Denktash has withdrawn from the bicommunal talks, on 10 March 2003 at The Hague, since he rejected the Annan plan as a basis for negotiations to find a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem”, Mr Papadopoulos stresses in his statement, adding that Mr Denktash “has since then launched, in full cooperation with Ankara, a new strategy for maintaining the occupation regime and establishing just 'good neighbourly relations”.

“It is worth reminding that the Confidence Building Measures, discussed in 1993-1994, had collapsed due to Mr Denktash΄s insistence then to have a separate state entity and sovereignty of the pseudo state, recognised.”, President Papadopoulos concludes.

The President of the Republic sent on 18 July a letter to the UN Secretary General in which he replies to Mr Denktash. The letter of reply circulated as an official document of the United Nations on 5 August 2003.


Turkish Cypriot politicians criticise Denktash΄s move

The leader of the Republican Turkish Party (RTP), Mr Mehmet Ali Talat, described Mr Denktash΄s proposal as “an effort to gain time”, recalling that it was the Turkish Cypriot leader who had rejected the Confidence Building Measures proposed in 1994 by the then UN Secretary-General Mr Boutros Ghali. (KIBRIS TV 13.7.2003)

Furthermore, in a statement to the Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS (15.7.2003) Mr Talat said that the Confidence Building Measures, proposed on the basis of the logic prevailing ten years ago, had lost their meaning after the Annan plan. “There is no lack of confidence between the two communities in Cyprus. We need Confidence Building Measures between Denktash and the people”, Mr Talat noted and added that “These proposals could never be a solution, just like the opening of the gates is not either”.

Along the same lines was the statement by Mr Mustafa Akinci, leader of the Peace and Democracy Movement (PDM), who said that “this is a new element of Mr Denktash΄s delaying tactics” and noted, “This is not the time for delaying tactics, we don’t have that luxury any longer”.

Mr Akinci also expressed the view that behind Mr Denktash΄s move was his wish to put aside the Annan plan, and added that the Turkish Cypriot leader reached the point of accepting what he had rejected ten years ago. (KIBRIS 13.7.2003)


Denktash threatens to settle Varosha

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash stated, on 16 July 2003, that if his proposal for the opening and settling of Varosha under the supervision of the UN and the reopening of the Nicosia Airport, was rejected, he would open the occupied city to both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. According to the Anatolia News Agency, Mr Denktash noted, “let the Greek Cypriots who wish to come do so, get their buildings, repair them and settle there”.

Meanwhile, reacting to reports by some T/C newspapers criticising him for failing to make reference to the occupied city of Varosha in his proposals, Mr Denktash, speaking to the illegal Turkish Cypriot Bayrak television (16.7.2003), admitted that his letter of proposals to the UN Secretary-General was focused on the Nicosia Airport and proposed the opening of Varosha in return.


Resolution 550 constitutes the fixed position of the UN Security Council on Varosha

The Republic of Cyprus, through its Permanent Representative to the UN, strongly protested, on 24 July, to the President of the UN Security Council regarding Denktash΄s threats to settle the fenced area of Famagusta, in violation of Resolution 550 of 1984, and requested that the issue would be raised by the President and conveyed to the members of the Council.

The President of the Security Council, Spain’s Permanent Representative Mr Inocencio Arias, informed the plenary of the Council on the threats of the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash regarding Famagusta.

In statements to the press after the plenary meeting, Mr Arias underlined that the Security Council had reiterated its well-known position on Varosha, namely, Resolution 550, which remained unchangeable. The Council, he further noted, encourages the parties involved to resume talks with the aim of reaching a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the UN Secretary-General’s plan, as stated in Resolution 1475.


Landmine clearing

The Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Rauf Denktash, in an effort to impress, sent on 23 July 2003 a letter to the UN Secretary-General in which he suggests the clearing of landmines at minefields of the Turkish occupation forces within and around Nicosia.

The Government announced, on 24 July 2003, that it welcomed this move, noting however that it considered the issue of clearing landmines in the buffer zone as very significant and that was why it had repeatedly called upon the Turkish side to consent to the simultaneous de-mining of the Turkish minefields and those of the National Guard along the buffer zone.

Despite the refusal of the Turkish side to cooperate, the Cyprus Government included in its package of measures for Turkish Cypriots the unilateral clearing of landmines from all the minefields belonging to the National Guard that are within the buffer zone including those located within the Nicosia buffer zone.

In order to implement the aforementioned measure, the Government intensified its contacts with the United Nations so as to make the necessary arrangements for the de-mining task to begin without delay. It also turned to the European Commission asking for financial contribution to this expensive project, albeit the Government was determined to proceed with or without aid.

It is also noted that Mr Denktash΄s proposal concerned the de-mining of not all minefields within the buffer zone but only those located within or around the Nicosia area.

Meanwhile, under the banner headline “Comedy!” the Turkish Cypriot daily newspaper YENIDUZEN (25.7.2003) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash forgot that President Papadopoulos had suggested the clearing of landmines in the buffer zone two months earlier.

Referring to the issue of landmine clearing in Cyprus, the US State Department’s Spokesman Mr Richard Boucher stated, at the daily press briefing on 29 July 2003, that the US was willing to support the de-mining of the buffer zone, noting at the same time that confidence building measures were not a substitute for the solution of the Cyprus problem.


The G/C side reiterates commitment for a solution of the Cyprus problem – Annan ready to get involved in Cyprus

“The Greek Cypriot side remains committed to continuing to work in the same positive and constructive way with the UN Secretary-General on the basis of his plan for the achievement of a workable and viable solution of the Cyprus problem.”

The President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos made the aforementioned statement at the signing ceremony of the Instrument of Ratification of Cyprus’ Accession Treaty to the European Union, on 28 July 2003.

Mr Papadopoulos said he was referring to “a solution that will safeguard the rights of the Turkish Cypriots and allow them to enjoy the benefits we shall acquire on our accession to the EU within the framework of a reunited Cyprus. A solution that will be in accordance with the Acquis Communautaire and will guarantee all lawful Cypriot citizens – Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians, and Latins – a stable, peaceful and secure environment which is necessary for their welfare, progress and well-being.”

Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General Mr Kofi Annan expressed his willingness to get involved once again in the peace process once there was “real, genuine political will on the part of both the parties”.

Speaking during his mid-year press conference at UN headquarters on 30 July 2003, Mr Annan said, replying to a question on Mr Denktash΄s proposals for confidence building measures that “the reaction of the other party [Greek Cypriot side] had been that there was a proposal, a plan on the table, and let us work and move on that basis”.

That same position was reiterated at the daily press briefing at UN headquarters, on 7 August 2003, by the UN Secretary-General’s Spokesperson Mr Fred Eckhard, who also announced Mr Annan’s intention to appoint his Special Adviser on Cyprus, Mr Alvaro de Soto, as his Special Representative for Western Sahara.


“Framework agreement for a customs union” between Turkey and the occupation regime is signed

On 8 August 2003, Turkey and the illegal occupation regime signed a so-called “framework agreement for a customs union”. The “agreement” was signed by the Deputy Prime Minister and State Minister responsible for Cyprus, Mr Abdulatif Sener, on behalf of Turkey, and, on behalf of the pseudostate, by the so-called “deputy prime minister and minister of tourism”, Mr Serdar Denktash. (Anatolia News Agency, 8.8.2003)

The “framework agreement” provides, inter alia, for:

1. Supporting the private sector and taking measures to increase investment, production and employment.
2. Continuation of infrastructure investments.
3. Integrating the Morphou-Nicosia road in investment programme.
4. Supporting cooperation between the Turkish Airlines and the illegal “Turkish Cypriot Airlines”.
5. Continuation of the implementation in which related authorities in Turkey provide “health and free sales certificates” to goods produced in the occupied areas of Cyprus and registered in Turkey.


T/C politicians criticise the so-called “customs union framework agreement”

Turkish Cypriot political parties and organisations have heavily criticised the signing of the so-called “framework agreement for a customs union” between Turkey and the illegal regime in occupied Cyprus.

Specifically, the leader of the Peace and Democracy Movement (PDM), Mr Mustafa Akinci, criticised the “agreement” saying that it aimed at deceiving people and noting that after 1 May 2004 Turkey would be forced to sign a real Customs Union Agreement with the Republic of Cyprus. (KIBRIS newspaper, 11.08.2003)

The Chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, Mr Ali Erel, described the signing of the “framework agreement” as a “political manoeuvre”, in view of the December “parliamentary elections” in the north, which could not have any positive economic results. He added that it was impossible to apply the aforementioned “agreement” which was nothing but “an earnest desire”. (KIBRIS, 11.08.03)

In addition, the leader of the Republican Turkish Party (RTP), Mr Mehmet Ali Talat, also criticised the “agreement” and underlined that the shortest way for Turkish Cypriots to become members of the EU was the reaching of a settlement on the basis of the Annan plan by May 2004. (KIBRIS, 10.08.03)

Meanwhile, the columnist of the Turkish daily HURRIYET, Cuneyt Ulsever, in an editorial entitled “The last nonsense: The customs union with the ‘TRNC’” (09.08.03), said that he had difficulty understanding the Justice and Development Party. “The heads of the party”, he wrote, “have either become an instrument to Denktash and the hawks’ new plot, or they are very ignorant, or they consider the world stupid; but one thing is clear, they make fun of us”.


Cyprus Government condemns the signing of the agreement

The Cyprus Government, through its Spokesman Mr Kypros Chrysostomides, has condemned in the most categorical manner the aforementioned agreement.

In a statement on 9 August 2003, Mr Chrysostomides said that the signing of the so-called “framework agreement for a customs union” between Turkey and the illegal occupation regime “is illegal and void” and “nothing more than an extension of the continuing illegality”.

The Government Spokesman then cited the UN resolutions which condemned the declaration of the illegal state in the occupied areas as well as the Turkish invasion and occupation, and added, “Consequently, within this framework of illegality, Turkey, which is responsible for what is happening in the occupied part of Cyprus, has basically signed an agreement with itself”.

Mr Chrysostomides further expressed the position that the signing of the so-called “framework agreement” would constitute a serious obstacle to Turkey’s relations with the European Union and its aspiration to begin accession negotiations by 2004.

Turkey compensates Titina Loizidou – The so-called “elections” in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus – President Papadopoulos calls on the UN Secretary-General to reengage in the Cyprus problem – Letter by Annan to the leaders of the two communities on the issue of the Missing Persons


There hasn’t been any significant development in the Cyprus problem after the so-called “framework agreement for a customs union” between Turkey and the pseudostate” on 8 August 2003 and until the so-called “elections” in the occupied areas of Cyprus on 14 December 2003. The Greek Cypriot side has repeatedly pointed out its intention to negotiate, on the basis of the Annan Plan, on which however, certain changes and improvements must be made so as to make it more functional and viable. As President Papadopoulos emphatically stated in his address at the Conference of Overseas Cypriots in Nicosia on 25.08.2003, these improvements will not deprive the Turkish Cypriots of their rights. As President Papadopoulos underlined, a functional and viable plan will certainly be in the interest of all the people of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

By contrast, the leader of the Turkish Cypriot side Mr Denktash, maintaining his negative and intransigent attitude, has repeatedly stated that he does not accept the Annan Plan, which he characterized as “dead and buried”. With this policy, Mr Denktash basically constitutes the main obstacle in finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. Indicative of this, is Mr R. Holbrook’s statement, in an interview in Greek TV Channel NET on 7.10.2003, by which he describes Mr Denktash as the main obstacle in the Cyprus problem. This man, Mr Holbrook said, is tough, smart, and is opposed to the flow of history.

K. Annan: the lifting of restrictions in the freedom of movement is not a substitute to a comprehensive settlement

During the mentioned period a number of meetings took place, which were attended by political personalities from Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, the US and the United Nations. Indicative of this, is the Greek Foreign Minister’s visit to Cyprus on 10 September 2003 who, inter alia, had a meeting with Turkish Cypriot politicians and also addressed a bicommunal event. On 15 September, President Papadopoulos travelled to Athens, where he held contacts with the Greek Prime Minister and the political leadership. On 16.09.2003, the UN Secretary-General’s Annual Report to the General Assembly on the work of the UN the year before was circulated. In paragraph 23 of the Report, which makes reference to the Cyprus problem, the UN Secretary-General expresses his regret that, despite his intensive efforts, the Cyprus problem remains unsolved and underlines once again that the” lifting of restrictions in the freedom of movement” is welcome, but does not constitute a substitute for a comprehensive settlement of the core issues.

In the sidelines of the 58th General Assembly of the United Nations at the end of September 2003, President Papadopoulos met with Mr Annan, Mr de Soto, the Under-Secretary for Political Affairs Mr Marc Grossman and the US State Department Coordinator for Cyprus Mr Thomas Weston. The Greek Foreign Minister Mr Papandreou also had a meeting in New York on 25.09.2003 with his Turkish counterpart Mr Gul. Moreover, the US State Secretary Mr Colin Powell had separate meetings with Mr Papandreou and Mr Gul during which the Cyprus problem was also discussed.

Mr Weston made a three-day tour, from 21 until 23 October 2003, to Athens, Ankara, and Nicosia to hold contacts. Mr Denktash refused to meet Mr Weston, and on the day of the US diplomat’s arrival in Cyprus, Mr Denktash was departing for Turkey to address the conference of the Law Association in the Turkish town of Zonguldak. Prior to his departure, Mr Denktash launched a forceful attack against Mr Weston (Bayrak TV 22.12.2003).

European Commission: no solution to the Cyprus problem could constitute a severe obstacle to Turkey’s European aspirations

On 5 November 2003, the European Commission publicized the report on the monitoring of the ten acceding countries’ preparations for EU membership. On Cyprus, and in particular, with regard to the political aspect, the Commission “expresses its strong belief that a solution to the Cyprus problem can still be found before 1 May 2004, in order to allow the accession of a united Cyprus.” However, it clarifies that “in case a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem is not reached by 1 May 2004, Protocol No10 which is annexed to the Accession Treaty, envisages the suspension of the acquis in the areas of the country which are not under the effective control of the Government of Cyprus.”

On 5.11.2003, the European Commission also adopted the text on the strategy for the three candidate countries (Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey). The text that makes reference to Turkey states that “not finding a settlement to the Cyprus problem could pose a serious obstacle to Turkey’s European aspirations.”

The German EU Commissioner for EU Enlargement Mr Gunter Verheugen stated before the plenary of the European Parliament on 5.11.2003, that it was not possible to have a member country in the EU, namely Cyprus, to be protected by UN forces. The EU did not deserve this, he added.

President Papadopoulos: We will appeal to the UN Secretary-General after the so-called “voting” in the occupied areas of the Republic

The President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos paid an official visit to Athens on 25.11.2003 at the invitation of the President of the Hellenic Republic Mr K. Stephanopoulos.

On 27.11.2003 President Papadopoulos gave a press conference to the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents. In his introductory statement, President Papadopoulos stated, inter alia, the following: “I need to say that the Republic of Cyprus and the Greek Cypriot community seek a solution to the Cyprus problem only through bicommunal talks, on the basis of the Annan Plan. The Greek Cypriot community, in particular, had stated from the beginning that it is willing and ready for talks on the basis of the Annan Plan, whenever the UN Secretary-General calls for them. The situation is at a standstill in view of the so-called “elections” that will take place in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus on 14 December. Right after this “voting” and I stress at this point, irrespective of the result, we will ask again the UN Secretary-General to repeat his initiative so that a new round of bicommunal negotiations can resume.”

Turkey compensates Titina Loizidou

On 2 December 2003, Turkey complied with the decision of the European Court of Human Rights of 28 July 1998 and paid Mrs Titina Loizidou the sum of 1.2 million euros, awarded by the European Court of Human Rights as compensation for being denied use of her property in occupied Kyrenia. Despite this, Turkey did not execute the European Court of Human Right’s decision of December 1996, in relation to the unobstructed access and the peaceful enjoyment of Mrs Loizidou’s property. The Council of Ministers of the Council of Europe approved two resolutions. The first is about Turkey’s compliance concerning the payment of compensation to Mrs Loizidou, and the second refers the discussion of the court’s decision of December 1996 concerning the peaceful enjoyment of Mrs Loizidou’s property, to the end of 2005.

The Government of Cyprus expressed its satisfaction for the payment of the compensation to Mrs Loizidou, but also its discontent for the Council of Ministers’ decision of the Council of Europe to refer the examination of the request on the peaceful enjoyment of her property to the end of 2005.

The so-called “elections” in the occupied areas of Cyprus

On 14 December 2003 the so-called “elections” took place in the occupied areas of Cyprus and the results were the following:

Republican Turkish Party 35.18% 19 seats
National Unity Party 32.93% 18 seats
Democratic Party 12.93% 7 seats
Peace and Democratic Movement 13.14% 6 seats

Based on the results, the parties that were supporting the so-called government (National Unity Party and Democratic Party 45.86%), and the opposition parties (Republican Turkish Party and Peace and Democratic Movement 54.14%), shared the 50 “seats” each taking 25 “seats” as a result of which there was a deadlock. The opposition parties, which are in favour of a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the Annan Plan and the accession of a reunited Cyprus into the EU, received the majority vote in terms of percentages, but not in the number of seats.

Gul: Turkey has the final say in the Cyprus problem

On 14.12.2003, the Foreign Minister of Turkey Mr Abdullah Gul sent a clear message to every direction, with a statement in TV station Kanal-D regarding the role of Turkey in the Cyprus problem. He said that, “irrespective of who will be the winner of the “elections”, he can do nothing without Turkey’s help, stressing that the Turkish Grand National Assembly has the final say on the Cyprus problem.

Erdogan to Denktash: “Change your advisers”

The Prime Minister of Turkey Mr Tayyip Erdogan underlined the need of changing Mr Denktash’s advisers, by saying that most of the advisors of Mr Denktash were Turks from Turkey, and that with the same team of advisors for years, the Cyprus problem reached its present stage. "These people could not introduce a different point of view", he said. This was stated by Mr Erdogan, in a Press conference in Uzbekistan on 18.12.2003, where he was paying an official visit (KIBRIS 19.12.2003). Mr Erdogan also disagreed with the position of Mr Denktash, namely that the Annan Plan is wrong and full of traps, underling that he does not approve of expressions such as “traps and plots”. We are saying that the Annan plan cannot be rejected outright, nor can it be accepted in its totality. However, the Annan plan is a subject for negotiation, and it must be negotiated, the Turkish Prime Minister said.

President Papadopoulos sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General

Fulfilling his declaration at the Press conference of the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in Greece on 27.11.2003, that he would call upon the UN Secretary-General after the so-called “voting” in the occupied areas, irrespective of who would be the winner, President Papadopoulos sent a letter to Mr Annan after the so-called “elections” in the occupied areas, requesting his reengagement in the Cyprus problem.

Mr Kofi Annan resumes his activities on the issue of the Missing Persons

On 19.12.2003, the Government Spokesman Mr Kypros Chrysostomides stated that President Papadopoulos had received a letter from the UN Secretary-General regarding the humanitarian issue of the Missing Persons, in which Mr Annan was submitting specific proposals on the subsequent handling of the issue. The same letter was also sent to Mr Denktash. In his reply to the UN Secretary-General’s letter, President Papadopoulos unreservedly accepted Mr Annan’s proposals and expressed the wish that Mr Denktash would reply in the same way. President Papadopoulos sent a copy of his letter to Mr Denktash.

Statement by the UN Security Council on the Cyprus problem

The President of the UN Security Council and Permanent Representative of Bulgaria in the United Nations, Mr Stefan Tavrov, in a statement on 18.12.2003, called for the immediate resumption of the talks on the Cyprus problem on the basis of the Annan Plan, which was agreed during unofficial deliberations. Mr Tavrov stated, inter alia, the following:

“The members of the Security Council welcome the fact that the majority of Turkish Cypriots have expressed their desire for a solution to the Cyprus problem and for accession to the European Union. This result, is all the more noteworthy, given pressures faced by the Turkish Cypriots to support the status quo.

The members reaffirm the Council’s previous resolutions and statements on Cyprus, including resolutions 541, 550 and 1475.”

Mr Weston visits Athens – Nicosia – Ankara

The US State Department’s Special Coordinator for Cyprus, Mr Thomas Weston, made a tour to Athens, Nicosia and Ankara, between 16 and 20 December 2003. Mr Weston met with Rauf Denktash for the first time. Mr Denktash previously refused to meet the American envoy. Mr Denktash and Mr Weston stated that they agreed to disagree on the issue of approach of the Annan Plan for a solution to the Cyprus problem. Mr Weston also had contacts with the Turkish Cypriot political leaders.

Meeting in Ankara on the Cyprus problem and the EU

A broad meeting took place in Ankara on 26 December 2003, which was presided by the Prime Minister of Turkey Mr Erdogan, in which Turkey’s EU accession course and the Cyprus problem were the main issues discussed. The meeting was attended by the Foreign and Deputy Foreign Ministers of Turkey, the Ambassadors of the EU member states and the so-called “ambassador” of the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus. Even though the diplomats asserted that the Cyprus problem did not constitute a political criterion, at the same time they made reference to its importance on Turkey’s European course.

The Foreign Ministry of Turkey prepared a plan on the Cyprus problem

According to the Turkish newspaper Cumhuriyet 29.12.2003, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs prepared a document entitled “The Turkish Side's Stance on a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the Annan Plan.” The document accepted that the Cyprus problem could be solved on the basis of the Annan Plan, the newspaper said, and added that 15 maps had been prepared on the territorial aspect.

The reaction of the Turkish Generals regarding the plan that was prepared by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs was immediate. Turkey's Chief of the General Staff, General Hilmi Ozkiok interrupted his visit to Balikesir and hurriedly returned to Ankara, where he had an unscheduled meeting with the Prime Minister Mr Erdogan. According to a report in Turkish newspaper Milliyet (30.12.2003) that makes reference to political sources in Ankara, the meeting was arranged due to the concern of the Chiefs of the General Staff of the three armed forces, who disagreed with the discussion of the plan in a four member high level meeting, in which the President, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of the General Staff would participate. The Generals insisted that the plan should be discussed at a National Security Council’s meeting.

Mr Denktash designated Mr Talat to form the new "government"

On 29.12.2003 the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Rauf Denktash assigned the Republican Turkish Party (RTP) leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat the task of forming the new "government".

Talks - Burgenstock - Fifth Annan Plan - referenda - UN SG’s Report - Reply by President - Turkey granted date for EU accession negotiations


UN Chief invites parties for talks in New York

The UN Secretary-General Mr Kofi Annan noted, after meetings he held in the end of January 2004 with President Papadopoulos and the Prime Ministers of Greece and Turkey, that all sides involved in the Cyprus problem appeared ready to resume UN-sponsored talks on the basis of his plan for a comprehensive settlement of the problem. Encouraged by that fact, he sent written invitations to the G/C and T/C leaders, on 4 February, calling on them to attend talks in New York, on 10 February, on the basis of the Annan plan in an effort to reach an agreement before 1 May 2004, for a reunited Cyprus to accede to the European Union. The UN Chief also wrote to the Premiers of Greece, Turkey and Britain, asking them to be ready to get involved in the process at any point.

After three days of talks at the UN Headquarters, it was agreed on 13 February that the two sides would begin negotiating in good faith on the basis of the UN Secretary-General's plan, seeking to agree on changes that fall within its parameters. In case of a continuing deadlock and the absence of agreement, despite the collaboration of Greece and Turkey in a concentrated effort, Mr Kofi Annan would only then make, with the greatest of reluctance, the indispensable suggestions to finalise the text, which would be then put before the two communities in separate simultaneous referenda.

President Papadopoulos insisted on the involvement of the European Union in the negotiations - and in particular, the offer of technical assistance by the Commission - in order to ensure that any settlement would comply with the acquis communautaire.

Statement by President Papadopoulos in New York (13.2.2004)

President Papadopoulos stressed that the Greek Cypriot side, for quite a while had been seeking and made a written appeal to the Secretary-General to reconvene talks on the basis of the Annan plan, with a view to reuniting the island before EU accession on 1 May 2004. He added that the success or failure of the talks depended on a change in the stance of the Turkish side and on whether it would demonstrate the necessary political will.

Referring to the New York deliberations, Mr Papadopoulos noted inter alia the following:

"The handlings of the G/C side led the T/C side back to the negotiating table on the basis of the Annan plan, which, until yesterday, it called "dead and buried". The role of the Secretary-General to decide upon the points where there will be continued deadlock is now confined to the basis of the plan and is not open for issues that might be raised up by the Turkish Cypriot side, and which are outside the plan. Third and most important is the involvement of the European Union, the Commission, in all the stages of the negotiations; involvement which will be multiform and on different levels. (Note: the last two constitute an important improvement in the Annan letter of 4/2/2004)."

Negotiations resume in two rounds - Nicosia and Burgenstock

The negotiations resumed in Cyprus on 19 February 2004, with direct meetings between the two sides in the presence of the UN Secretary-General's Special Advisor Mr Alvaro de Soto. The Nicosia round did not bear any results and a new round of negotiations was held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, on 27 March. The Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash refused to attend the talks and was represented by the so-called prime minister Mehmet Ali Talat and by his son Serdar. Also present at the talks in Burgenstock were the Prime Ministers of Greece and Turkey as well as the then European Enlargement Commissioner Mr Gunter Verheugen.

At Burgenstock the UN did not arrange for direct negotiations between the two sides. Instead the Greek Cypriot side was pressed by the UN Secretariat to enter into a bargaining process with respect to demands put forward by Turkey, which were contrary to the fundamental principles of the plan. The G/C side refused and as a consequence the Secretariat modified the plan to accommodate Ankara's demands and thus produce the final version. On 31 March 2004, the Secretary-General presented the finalised text - known as the "Fifth Annan Plan" - to the two sides, with the view to submitting it before the Cyprus people in separate referenda on 24 April.

In statements upon his return from Switzerland, President Papadopoulos said the G/C side had made every effort and exhausted all permissible room for consensus but without any result. He also noted: "The Turkish Cypriot side not only continued its negative stance and insisted on its intransigent positions throughout the talks, but Turkey added 11 new additional demands aiming at serving mainly, through Cyprus, her aims and interests. These demands, through the procedure of the Secretary General using his discretion to finalize the text, were met either fully or to some extent."

Declaration by the President regarding the 24 April referendum

On 7th April 2004, the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos called on the Greek Cypriot people to reject the 5th Annan Plan because, as he explained, it included functional weaknesses, complicated procedures and dangerous obscurities especially in relation to the issue of security. “With the final Annan Plan Cypriots have not been satisfied, however Turkey’s pursuit to control and dominate Cyprus has been fully met”, President Papadopoulos stressed, expressing particular concern about the provisions of the plan with regard to colonization and the continuous presence of Turkish troops on the island. “The particular plan would not lead to the reunification of the two communities but on the contrary it would promote the permanent division with restrictions on movement, settlement, the right to acquire property, the exercise of political rights and other divisive elements,” he added.

Rejecting the view that the Plan would be the final initiative for the solution of the Cyprus problem, the President referred to the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union, which would act as a political protection of the state. He also expressed the view that the international interest for normalization and peace in the region would continue to exist.

Addressing himself to the Turkish Cypriots, President Papadopoulos said that the Cyprus Government would continue to struggle for the solution of the Cyprus problem and to promote measures for their support.

Message by the UN Secretary General in view of the referenda

In a message to the people of Cyprus on 21 April 2004, the UN Secretary General Mr Kofi Annan acknowledged that his plan did not meet the full demands of either side, and that it was a compromise, as is inevitable in any negotiation. He said that it was also the only foreseeable route to the reunification of Cyprus and assured about the International community’s commitment to accommodate the settlement and assist in its implementation.

24 April Referenda - the Greek Cypriots reject 5th Annan Plan

On 24 April 2004, the Cypriot people were called upon to accept or reject, through separate simultaneous referenda, the proposal of the UN Secretary General for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem (5th Annan Plan).

A large majority of the Greek Cypriot people, a percentage of 75.83%, felt that the final text was not balanced and did not satisfy their main concerns in relation to security, the functionality and viability of the solution, so they rejected the plan, while 64.91% of the Turkish Cypriots voted in favour of the plan. The particular plan was considered dead as a final solution, but still on the negotiating table for further negotiations, as President Papadopoulos repeatedly stated explaining that the Greek Cypriots had rejected not just a solution of the Cyprus problem, but the particular proposed solution. In a statement, Kofi Annan expressed disappointment that the goal of a reunified country acceding to the European Union was not achieved, but stated that he respected the outcome of the referenda.

President Papadopoulos explains the reasons why the G/Cs said “no”

President Papadopoulos, in statements to the foreign media on 25 April 2004, explained the reasons why the Greek Cypriots chose not to accept the 5th Annan Plan at the referendum. Specifically, he said that the plan did not propose a decrease in the number of settlers, bizonality would be strengthened and the ethic divisions would be perpetuated, the Turkish troops would not be withdrawn, not even after Turkey’s accession to the European Union, while at the same time, the plan provided many permanent deviations from the Acquis Communautaire.

Reactions by the international community to the Greek Cypriot “no”

The international community expressed regret that the accession to the EU of a united Cyprus would not be possible, stressing at the same time that the people have decided and their democratic will should be respected.

Government announces measures in support of the Turkish Cypriots / EU green line regulation

The Cyprus Government announced on 26 April 2004 its intention to expand the trade, subject to the procedures and rules of the European Union, of wholly obtained goods (agricultural, mining and fishery products), as well as the intra-island trade of the industrial goods produced in the occupied area. It also advocated that the 259 million euros earmarked by the European Union for the Turkish Cypriot in the event of a Cyprus settlement, be made available to the Turkish Cypriots immediately after accession. Moreover, the Government asked that the number of crossing points at the dividing line for both persons and goods be increased.

Moreover, the Council of the European Union approved on 29 April Regulation 866/2004, which concerned the movement of people, goods and services via the demarcation line, and aimed at facilitating trade and the development of contacts and economic relations between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. The Cyprus Government, in response, proceeded with specific proposals to the European Union and other unilateral measures, such as the adoption of special rules and the amendment of the relevant legislation for the implementation of the above Regulation. On 23 August 2004, trade begun between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots, in the framework of the “Green Line” Regulation.

The Government condemns the Turkish efforts to end the “isolation”

Cyprus’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mr Andreas Mavroyannis sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General, on 28 May 2004, to the UN Secretary General underlining the campaign of the Turkish Cypriot leadership to exploit the intentions of certain parties in order to gain political advantages. Mr Mavroyannis made it clear it had never been the policy of the Government to promote any form of isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community and stressed that “the so-called “isolation” of the Turkish Cypriots is mainly the consequence of the illegal occupation of part of Cyprus, the divisive policies of Turkey and the refusal of the Turkish Cypriot leadership to comply with principles of international law, established rules and procedures, as well as decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Community”.
UN Secretary-General’s Report to Security Council - President Papadopoulos’ reaction

On 2 June 2004, the UN Secretary-General submitted to the UN Security Council the Report on his Mission of Good Offices in Cyprus. In the Report, he makes a review of the last effort in the framework of his good offices mission and concludes that another opportunity for a solution was missed on 24 April 2004. President Papadopoulos met with the UN Secretary-General, the following day in New York, and discussed, inter alia, the UN Secretary-General’s Report. The President expressed disagreement with the context of the paragraph in the Annan Report, which calls on the UN Security Council members to encourage the international community to proceed with direct relations with the illegal Turkish Cypriot authorities in the occupied areas, considering that such move is consistent with Resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984) of the UN Security Council.

Speaking to the Press before meeting with Mr Annan, the President stated, inter alia, the following: “From a preliminary reading of the report, I have noted that it contains a number of inaccuracies as regards the facts and certainly we do not agree with the Secretary-General’s assessment regarding the holding of the negotiations, the procedure that was followed and his evaluation of the positions of the two sides. Particularly we are offended and we consider as unfounded his assessment that the decision of the Cyprus people to reject his plan constitutes a rejection of a solution.It constitutes a rejection only of this particular plan whereas we persevere in a solution of a bi-zonal bi-communal federation which in fact will reunite our home country and our society”.

European Commission’s proposal on the support of the T/C

At the beginning of July 2004, the EU Enlargement Commissioner Mr Verheugen announced the Commission’s proposal on the economic support of the Turkish Cypriots and the conduct of direct trade between the EU and the occupied areas of the Republic. The proposal was submitted to the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU (COREPER) and the final decision will be taken by the Council of Ministers with the agreement of the Government of Cyprus. The latter immediately expressed its disagreement with the proposal on direct trade and with the linking of the two regulations.

The investigatory Committee for the Missing is reactivated

After being inactive for nearly five years, the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) convened on 30 August 2004 at the Ledra Palace, for its 84th session which was completed, on 9 November, after 14 meetings.

At the end of the meeting on 25 October, the Committee announced in a press release that it had proceeded with the finalization of the agreement with INFORCE Foundation, a non-profit forensic science organization based in the UK, to undertake exhumation work on the island.

President Papadopoulos’ speech at the UN General Assembly

President Papadopoulos reiterated in his speech at the UN General Assembly on 23 September 2004, that the Greek Cypriot community remained committed to a solution of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, pointing out that a solution should be based on the following: 1.The withdrawal of troops and settlers, 2. Respect of human rights, 3. Functionality of the economy, 4. Just resolution of land and property issues in accordance with the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights 5. Workability and functionality of the new state of affairs, 6. Respect of the right of return of refugees.

The President also made special reference to the unlawful exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied areas of Cyprus, which had started following the rejection of the Annan Plan by the Greek Cypriots.

UN Security Council approves amendment of UNFICYP’s operations

Resolution 1568 (22.10.2004) of the UN Security Council, regarding the functioning of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), adopted the UN Secretary-General’s recommendations on the modification of UNFICYP’s operations and a reduction in its size, as they were outlined in the Report he submitted to the UN Security Council on 24 September 2004.

The Government proceeds unilaterally with de-mining

The Government of Cyprus proceeded, unilaterally, with the de-mining of the Green Line, funded by the EU programme “Partnership for the Future”. The official launch of the de-mining process took place on 18 November 2004 in an area to the south of the Old Nicosia Airport.

Important decision on Greek Cypriot properties (Orams case)

On 13 December 2004, the District Court of Nicosia (Orams case) decided that anyone who has "bought" or is seeking to "buy" Greek Cypriot owned property in the occupied part of the Republic does so illegally and becomes a potential target for criminal and civil law suits in the courts of the Republic of Cyprus. The resulting arrest warrants and decisions could then be judicially enforced abroad. (For more information on this issue, please click here).

Turkey is granted a date to start accession talks, under preconditions

The text of the Presidency’s Conclusions of the European Council in Brussels, (17.12.2004), incorporated a provision regarding the start of accession negotiations between Turkey and the EU on 3 October 2005, provided that Turkey signed until that date, the Protocol extending the Customs Union with the ten new member states, including the Republic of Cyprus.

In statements at the end of the Summit, the President of the Republic expressed satisfaction with the outcome, adding that the Government’s policy was in favour of Turkey’s European course, provided that Turkey fulfilled its obligations towards the EU and Cyprus. “This decision provides that Turkey will not start accession negotiations, unless it signs beforehand – and we have added, “and implements the Protocol on the Ankara Agreement with all 25 member states, including Cyprus. The decision which has been adopted gives the Republic of Cyprus the right, in the event that Turkey does not comply with this obligation until 3 October, to exercise its right of veto and not allow the commencement of negotiations”, President Papadopoulos underlined.

Developments (January – December 2005) - Consultations on the resumption of talks


New Year’s Eve Message by President Papadopoulos

The President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, in his message to the people of Cyprus, on the occasion of the New Year 2005, outlined the main pillars of the Greek Cypriot policy in relation to the solution of the Cyprus problem. These pillars are the following:

- The creation of the correct preconditions which will provide the necessary guarantees for substantial and constructive negotiations.
- An agreed solution on the Cyprus problem, within the new context created by Cyprus’ accession to the European Union.
- No arbitration or tight deadlines, which proved ineffective towards an equal negotiation, capable of leading to an agreed and viable solution.

Referring to the referendum of 24 April 2004, President Papadopoulos underlined that “the people of Cyprus did not reject the solution of the Cyprus problem nor did they vote against the reunification of our country.” “They rejected this specific Plan, judging that it would not lead to reunification or a workable solution”, he added.

President Papadopoulos also extended a message of friendship and wishes to our Turkish Cypriot compatriots for a common course towards the common future of our common country and called upon them to acknowledge that the common and long-term interest of all of us is best served through the real reunification of our country.

Destruction of minefields is completed

The creation of a positive climate between the two communities and generally of conditions which will pave the way for the solution of the Cyprus problem are measures towards the right direction. Acting in this context, the Government proceeded unilaterally with the clearing of the National Guard’s minefields in the buffer zone. The commencement of de-mining began on 18 November 2004 and by the end of May of 2005 the destruction of minefields in Nicosia Airport and in the areas of Astromeritis – Zodia and Lefka, was completed. With the completion of this project the team which undertook the work of the destruction of minefields resumed operations in the areas of Kaimakli, Kato Pyrgos Tillirias, and Denia.

MacShane calls upon Turkey to normalise relations with Cyprus

British Minister for Europe Dr Denis MacShane, in his speech at the Royal Institute of International Affairs entitled “Europe: Stasis or Movement”, called upon Turkey to normalise its relations with the Republic of Cyprus and urged the two communities to start a dialogue. Replying to a relevant question, Dr MacShane said that what he had been indicating to his Turkish friends, especially after their historic success of last December to secure a date for the commencement of accession negotiations between Turkey and the EU, was that they had just reached the bottom of Everest and that reaching the top would require many efforts and lots of struggle. I advise them, Dr MacShane said, that they must normalise their relations with Cyprus and that the two communities must start a dialogue.

Turkish General: not a single soldier will leave Cyprus unless a solution is achieved

The role that the army plays in the political life of Turkey is very well known. On many occasions, and whenever they deem it necessary, the generals intervene in various ways in the formulation of policy. Following this tactic, the Commander of the First Army of Turkey's four armies General IIker Basbug, in statements during a visit to the occupied areas of the Republic, pointed out that “not a single Turkish soldier will leave Cyprus unless a final and lasting agreement is signed”. (Turkish NTV 21.01.2005). The next day, the Deputy Chief of the Turkish General Staff General Yasar Buyukanit gave full support to General IIker Basbug by stating that “Buyukkanit’s statement also reflects the views of the General Staff and of the Government”. (Istanbul NTV 26.01.2005).

Turkey’s European perspective – its obligations - Cyprus problem

Cyprus’ accession to the European Union, in connection with Turkey’s European aspirations, will help the prospects for the solution of the Cyprus problem in a substantive way. And this was one of the main reasons, namely the safeguard of this prospect, for which the Republic of Cyprus consented to the European Council’s decision of 17 December 2004 to grant Turkey a date for the commencement of accession negotiations with the EU.

Turkey’s accession negotiations will perhaps start on 3 October 2005, provided that Turkey fulfils some of its obligations. Turkey is also bound to sign, inter alia, the Accession Protocol of the Ankara Agreement on the extension of its Customs Union with the EU, so that it will fully take into account the accession of the new member states, including of course the Republic of Cyprus.

In his statements, the Government Spokesman Mr Kypros Chrysostomides underlined that the Government considered the signing and implementation of the Protocol as an important step which would lead to the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus by Turkey and the gradual normalisation of relations between the two countries, (28.01.2005). A number of questions, however, are justifiably raised:

- how can a country seek accession to a Union of states and continue to refuse the recognition of one of its members.
- how can the fact that Turkey, which continues to maintain occupation troops in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus that is now part of the territory of the European Union, thus violating every principle of international law and the essence of the Copenhagen political criteria, be ignored.

US Secretary of State visits Turkey

On 6 February 2005, the US Secretary of State Mrs Condoleezza Rice visited Ankara, where she had meetings with the Prime Minister of Turkey Mr Recep Tayyip Erdogan and her counterpart Mr Gul. During the meetings, there was a discussion on the Cyprus problem. According to the Turkish press, Mr Erdogan appealed for the lifting of the so-called isolation of the `TRNC΄ and said that “he expected the United States to institute direct flights to Ercan Airport”. The US Secretary of State explained that “the US is doing all it can in order for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to resume the resolution effort”.

Commenting on Mrs Rice’s visit to Turkey, the Government Spokesman Mr Kypros Chrysostomides said that “the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots is foremostly due to the continuous occupation and presence of occupation troops in the occupied areas of Cyprus”. (8.2.2005). He also noted that it was the Turkish side which hindered the economic upgrading of the Turkish Cypriots by insisting on linking the EU’s financial regulation, which amounted to 259 million euros, to that on direct trade in order to obtain political advantages.

Mr Chrysostomides also stressed that “the fact that direct trade has absolutely no economic significance to the Turkish Cypriot side is demonstrated by the fact that the annual exports by the Turkish Cypriots amount to fifty million euros out of which twenty five million are citrus fruit not exported to Europe”. “Therefore”, Mr Chrysostomides said, “the aim is clearly political and not economic”.

UN Secretary-General urges the G/C side to submit its positions

The UN Secretary-General Mr Kofi Annan called on the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos “to put his views on paper” and “the changes he would want to have”, which would be helpful for the commencement of discussions or the resumption of talks. Mr Annan made the above statement after meeting with the British Foreign Secretary Mr Jack Straw on 10.2.2005, in London.

President Papadopoulos: the UN Secretary-General’s statement is not objective

Commenting on the UN Secretary-General’s statement, President Papadopoulos described it as not objective. “It is not objective, on the one hand, to refer to statements and declarations made by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and on the other to ask only the Greek Cypriot side to submit proposals and suggestions on paper” the President told reporters on 11 February. He also underlined that there was a need to seek clarifications regarding the purpose of submitting these proposals and on whether the UN Secretary-General had accepted the fact that the plan was in need of substantive changes. “We must spare ourselves from the syndrome of arbitration and engage in substantive talks”, President Papadopoulos noted.

Mr Erdogan invites President Papadopoulos for a coffee in the occupied areas

According to Turkish daily newspaper Hurriyet (14.2.2005), the Prime Minister of Turkey Mr Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a “surprise proposal” to President Papadopoulos to meet in the occupied areas, where they could solve the Cyprus problem “while sipping their coffee”. The invitation was extended to President Papadopoulos, through Democratic Rally Party leader Mr Nicos Anastasiades, during his meeting with Mr Erdogan, in Istanbul. However, after a few days, Mr Erdogan clarified that when he extended the invitation he meant that the meeting with President Papadopoulos would not be face to face but in the presence of Mr Talat and the guarantor powers. (Turkish NTV television. (23.02.05, 22.30 hours).

An immediate reply to Mr Erdogan’s invitation was given by the Government Spokesman Mr Kypros Chrysostomides, who pointed out that the Government was pursuing a meeting with Mr Erdogan in order to discuss the international aspects of the Cyprus problem. Mr Chrysostomides noted that the Government had repeatedly extended an invitation to Mr Erdogan to a meeting, something which Mr Erdogan had refused. (14.2.2005) Regarding the proposal for a five party meeting, Mr Chrysostomides reiterated that “the Greek Cypriot side was ready to resume deliberations and negotiations which would lead to the final solution of the Cyprus problem, under the aegis of the United Nations and the good offices mission of the UN Secretary-General. (24.2.2005).

Russia ready to assist in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem

The President of the Russian Federation Mr Vladimir Putin expressed his country’s readiness to actively contribute to the attainment of a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem, on the basis of the UN Security-Council Resolutions. Receiving the credentials of the new Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Moscow Mr Leonidas Pantelides, Mr Putin underlined that “Russia has repeatedly proved that it is a responsible and firm ally in resolving the common problems of humanity and in constructing a new, safer and fairer world order”.

Elections in the Turkish - occupied areas

On 20th February “parliamentary elections” took place at the Turkish occupied areas with the following results: Republican Turkish Party – United Forces (Mehmet Ali Talat) (RTP): 44.51% - 24 seats, National Unity Party (NUP, Dervis Eroglu) 31.67% - 19 seats, Democratic Party (DP, Serdar Denktash) 13.47 % - 6 seats, Peace and Democracy Movement (PDM, Mustafa Akinci) 5.84% - 1 seat.

The Turkish army of occupation is strengthened

The Minister of Defence Mr Kyriacos Mavronicolas noted at a press conference on 23 February that during the so called “elections” the Turkish occupation army had been reinforced with new weapons. The Minister added that the Turkish occupation army transported into the occupied areas fully-equipped and modern weaponry of American origin as well as a large number of personnel transport vehicles. Mr Mavronicolas condemned this action by the Turkish occupation army which, as he claimed, did not at all demonstrate the new and modern face of Turkey which would correspond to Turkey’s needs for accession to the European Union.

The President of the European Council warns Ankara

The Prime Minister of Luxembourg and President of the European Council Mr Jean Claude Juncker sent a clear message to Ankara regarding the issue of the signing of the Accession Protocol, stating that Turkey should sign the Protocol. Speaking at a press conference in Brussels on 28 February, after a meeting with the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, Mr Juncker emphatically stressed that it was not possible to start accession negotiations with Turkey unless it signed the Protocol.

Mr Juncker repeated his warning to Ankara in a statement immediately after the conclusion of the work of the EU Association Council with Turkey (26.4.2005), which was the last before the start of accession negotiations with Turkey on 3 October 2005. “The Presidency welcomes the fact that the Protocol regarding the adaptation of the Ankara Agreement has now been initialed by Turkey and we are waiting for its signing and implementation. The signing of the Protocol represents an important step towards the normalization of bilateral relations between Turkey and all member states of the European Union”, Mr Juncker said.

Meeting between Christofias and Talat

The President of the House of Representatives and General Secretary of AKEL Demetris Christofias had a meeting with the so-called Prime Minister of the pseudostate and leader of the Republican Turkish Party Mr Mehmet Ali Talat. In a statement afterwards Mr Talat said that they had decided to continue the dialogue which will aim at a solution. For his part Mr Christofias said that he “is carrying an olive branch”, and wished the meeting to be the start of a high-level dialogue and compromise which will bring a solution to Cyprus question on the basis of the Annan plan. (Anatolia News Agency 8.3.2005). The meeting took place at the RTP offices.

Meeting between Karamanlis and Erdogan

The Prime Ministers of Greece and Turkey C. Karamanlis and T. Erdogan had a meeting in Brussels on 21.3.2005, on the sidelines of the European Popular Party Summit, during which the Cyprus problem, Greco-Turkish relations and Turkey’s European course were discussed. In his statements, Mr Karamanlis reiterated the position of the Greek side that the goal remains to reunite the island through negotiations on the basis of the Annan plan and in the framework of the Acquis Communautaire and the European principles and values. He also said that his country supports Turkey’s European prospect. ''There is a lot to be done, however, in important areas including, of course, the signing on the part of Turkey of the protocol before 3 October, as it was decided at the European Council of 17 December 2004 ”, he added.

For his part, the Turkish Prime Minister stated that he and Karamanlis discussed the Cyprus problem and what they can do regarding a solution based on the Annan Plan. “Both sides have demonstrated the political will for a solution of the problem and Greece and Turkey are very positive as guarantor powers”, he said.

“Presidential elections” in the Turkish occupied areas

Mehmet Ali Talat was the great winner of the “presidential elections” which took place in the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus on 17 April 2005. More specifically, he received 55.6% of the votes, while his main opponent Dervis Eroglu received only 22.73%. In a statement after the announcement of the results Mr Talat said that “the Turkish Cypriots reiterated once again their decisiveness for a solution and the unification of Cyprus.”

”At this moment, I want also to give my hand to the Greek Cypriots and Greek Cypriot leadership for peace and for finding a solution to our problem and reunifying our island, “he added (Turkish Cypriot Press 18.4.2005).

In a statement, however, a few days later, Mr Talat described as “wishful thinking” President Papadopoulos’ demand for the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation troops from Cyprus. (Anatolia News Agency 5.5.2005)

US Deputy Assistant Secretary for European Affairs visits Cyprus

The US Deputy Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Ms Laura Kennedy paid a visit to Cyprus, during which she met with the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Talat. In her statements, Ms Kennedy reiterated her country’s support for the continuation of the efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem, under the aegis of the United Nations and on the basis of the Annan Plan. According to reports in the Greek Cypriot Press, it seems that, the Americans are abandoning the tactic of pressing for a written submission of the changes that the Greek Cypriot side wants in the Annan Plan and suggest an oral explanation of the Greek Cypriot side’s areas of concern to the United Nations. (5.5.2005)

Meeting between Annan - Papadopoulos - Erdogan

On 8 May, the President of the Republic departed for Moscow to attend the 60th Anniversary Celebrations of VE Day, marking the allies’ victory during the Second World War. During a luncheon hosted by President Putin at the Kremlin, President Papadopoulos and the UN Secretary-General Mr Kofi Annan, who were sitting at the same table, were also joined for a while by Turkey’s Prime Minister Mr Erdogan. During this meeting, the Cyprus problem was discussed and there was an exchange of views on the process for the solution of the problem. Invited to comment on this meeting, a Spokesman of the UN Press Office made the following statement:

“It was an informal exchange during a luncheon hosted by President Putin at the Kremlin, as part of the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII in Europe. Mr Papadopoulos confirmed that he would be sending an envoy to UN headquarters soon for exploratory talks. In light of that visit, the Secretary-General will decide on what further steps to take. The Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyep Erdogan was present during part of the discussions”.

In statements in Ankara, Mr Erdogan said that “Mr Annan had himself said that the referendum held after the Burgenstock meeting and the process after that had remained behind and that a new process could start”. (Hurriyet (10.5.2005). As was also broadcasted by Press Agency Reuters, the Turkish Prime Minister Mr Erdogan said that he noticed that the Greek Cypriots were not negative and that in relation to their old positions they were approaching in a positive way the prospect of new talks.

President Papadopoulos expressed “some kind of satisfaction” that the Turkish Prime Minister Mr Recep Tayyip Erdogan acknowledged in public that the Greek Cypriot side was seeking, sincerely and consistently, to find a political settlement to the Cyprus problem. (11.5.2005)

President Papadopoulos sends envoy to the United Nations

On 15 May, the Director of the President of the Republic’s Diplomatic Office, Ambassador Tasos Tzionis departed for the UN headquarters in New York. He stayed there for a week, during which he had five meetings with the UN Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs Sir Kieran Prendergast. The Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the United Nations Mr Andreas Mavroyiannis was also present at the meetings, during which there was an exchange of views and a discussion on procedural issues concerning the negotiations on the Cyprus problem in the event of the commencement of a new dialogue for the solution of the problem. The Greek Cypriot side’s areas of concern regarding the Annan Plan were also discussed. At the end of the meetings, the UN Spokesman stated that Sir Kieran Prendergast and Mr Tzionis “concluded a series of preliminary, informal and non-binding discussions on the Cyprus issue” and added: “Following these consultations, the Secretary-General has asked Sir Kieran to visit the region to listen to the views of all parties on the future of the Secretary-General's mission of good offices on Cyprus”.

Commenting on the meetings, the Government Spokesman Mr Kypros Chrysostomides said that the Greek Cypriot side had presented to the UN Secretariat its concerns, views, ideas and positions “in a detailed and clear manner, dealing both with procedure and substance taking into account the outcome of last year's referenda”. (23.5.2005)

Meeting between Karamanlis and Bush

The Cyprus problem was among the issues discussed at the meeting between the Prime Minister of Greece Mr Kostas Karamanlis and the US President Mr George Bush, on 20 May, at the White House. In a statement, Mr Karamanlis said that “Greece remains committed in finding a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem for the reunification of the island on the basis of the Annan plan, the UN Security Council Resolutions and the European Union standards and principles”.

Sir Kieran Prendergast visits Nicosia – Athens - Ankara

With the aim to record and be informed on the positions of the two sides and also to examine the possibilities for the resumption of a new dialogue on the Cyprus issue, the UN Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs Sir Kieran Prendergast arrived to Cyprus on 30 May for a three day visit. During his stay, Mr Prendergast had three meetings with the President of the Republic and two meetings with Mr Talat. Prior to his departure from Cyprus on 2 June, Mr Prendergast pointed out that “essentially, it is the two sides that have to make a peace agreement, the UN can help, encourage and facilitate, but in the end we have to have an agreement that is mutually acceptable to both sides''. Sir Kieran Prendergast then visited Athens and Ankara.

Meeting between Erdogan and Bush

The Prime Minister of Turkey Mr Erdogan met on 8 June 2005 with the US President G. Bush. In a press conference after the meeting, Mr Erdogan stated that President Bush personally instructed the U.S. Secretary of State to study the issue of direct flights from the U.S. to the illegal airport in occupied Tymbou. (Anatolia News Agency)

The Acting Government Spokesman Mr M. Karoyian commenting on the above information stressed that direct flights to the illegal airports in the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus had been attempted in the past, but never went through because the United States of America, which have signed and ratified the Treaty of Chicago, are bound by it.

Russia reaffirms its positions on the Cyprus problem

The Foreign Minister of Russia Mr Sergey Lavrov sent a clear message to every direction regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem stressing that “the solution should be accepted by both communities on the island and not be imposed from the outside.” He also expressed support for the UN Secretary-General’s good offices mission on Cyprus and expressed the hope that it will lead to the resumption of negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. Mr Lavrov added that the dialogue should be held within the framework set by the UN Security Council.

Regarding Russia’s role as permanent member of the Security Council Mr Lavrov was categorical. “Russia belongs in the group of five Permanent Members of the Security Council and this group is a specific mechanism for assisting the efforts for a settlement of the Cyprus problem; the UN Secretary General must realize this. And if we do not talk every day on the television about the Cyprus problem and if we do not make great statements it does not mean that our role is small,” he said.

Mr Lavrov made the above statements during his official visit to Cyprus between 8-9 June 2005, during which he had a meeting with the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos and the his Cypriot counterpart Mr George Iacovou.

Meeting between Annan and Erdogan

The UN Secretary General Mr Kofi Annan stated that he would resubmit to the UN Security Council the report he had prepared, following the referenda in Cyprus, on his Plan for a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem, seeking the adoption of his report by the Security Council. Mr Annan publically announced his intention in a statement made after a working lunch at the UN headquarters on 9 June 2005 with the Turkish Prime Minister Mr Erdogan.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Iacovou described Mr Annan’s statement untimely and ineffective, stressing that this proposal did not concentrate serious possibilities of being implemented, reminding that when last year the same effort was made, the UN Security Council did not adopt the report but simply issued a statement.

The Committee of Deputy Ministers of the Council of Europe adopts a resolution against Turkey

The Committee of Deputy Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted on 7 June 2005 the first condemning for Turkey, Interim Resolution concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) of 10 May 2001 in the Fourth Interstate Appeal of Cyprus against Turkey.

The Interim Resolution is the first ever to be adopted by the Committee of Ministers’ Deputies in an Interstate case and its adoption proves the commitment and collective will of European governments to safeguard and defend the rule of law and the effective protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

For further information on the resolution, please click here.


President Papadopoulos meets UNSG in New York

President Papadopoulos met on 16 September, on the sidelines of the 60th Session of the UN General Assembly, with the Secretary-General Mr Kofi Annan, with whom he discussed the Cyprus problem with special emphasis on the prospect of resuming efforts for a new peace initiative in Cyprus. Responding to press questions after the meeting, Mr Papadopoulos said the appointment of a new special envoy for Cyprus had also been raised and noted: “This is very high on the thoughts of the Secretary-General; who it will be and when is something that he himself will decide when the time is right”. “The Secretary-General himself raised that issue and said he would look into the matter further. Mr Annan also said that Mr Prendergast’s visit to Cyprus [in June 2005] was not a one-off mission but part of a continuous effort that would be intensified when the circumstances were appropriate”, the President added.

President Papadopoulos addresses UN General Assembly

“The Cyprus Government remains committed to holding negotiations under the umbrella of the United Nations and to working for the creation of those conditions that will render fruitful negotiations feasible”, the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos said and added that revival of the talks for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem required “thorough preparation and an honest assessment that the prospect of success is at least credible”.

In his address, on 18 September 2005, at the Sixtieth Session of the UN General Assembly, President Papadopoulos said the Cyprus problem was at a “critical juncture”, something that called for particularly cautious but resolute moves when embarking upon a new peace initiative. Furthermore, Mr Papadopoulos added, an assurance was needed that the Turkish political aims had changed and that “Turkey has reconciled itself with the fact that achieving a settlement is synonymous with the concept of a single, reunified state”. He also pointed out that the prospect of a radical shift in Ankara’s mentality, as a result of its European Union accession course, would mark the single biggest development on the Cyprus problem in decades.

The President further said Cyprus expected the UN to broker a negotiated settlement without any arbitration or deadlines dictated by exogenous elements and with EU contribution, which, as he noted, would be catalytic. He also clarified that a settlement should be formulated on the basis of the concerns and expectations of Cypriots as a whole and not aim at accommodating the interests of foreign powers on the island.

Meanwhile, Mr Papadopoulos said, speaking at a press conference after his address before the General Assembly, that he expected “some move” by the UN Secretary-General “in the near future” regarding a renewed peace initiative, but warned that any such initiative should be well prepared to help ensure a successful outcome.

Government satisfied with EU counter statement to Turkish declaration

The EU officially approved on 21 September the counter statement of its 25 member states to the Turkish unilateral declaration of not recognizing the Republic of Cyprus. Commenting on the development, President Papadopoulos said that the three main aims of the Cyprus Government concerning the EU’s counter statement had been fulfilled. In particular, he stated the following: “When we initially asked the Presidency [of the EU] and later the plenary of the member states to make a counter statement, we had set three aims: First, to be made clear that Turkey’s declaration was a unilateral statement which produced no legal result, namely that it could have no influence with regard to Turkey’s legal obligations towards Cyprus and the EU; secondly, that the implementation of the protocol by Turkey could not be affected by the reservations that Ankara had set in the unilateral declaration and thirdly, that the Protocol would be fully implemented in all member states, including Cyprus, which has a ‘special interest’ in its implementation, since it would mean the opening of the ports and the use of the airspace and the airports of Turkey by Cyprus vessels and civil aircrafts. These three aims have been fully met”. “Despite the large support for Cyprus’ positions by a large number of EU member states, the British presidency right from the beginning did not fulfil its obligations as a presiding country, but instead promoted its own positions, ignoring the wishes of the EU member states”, the President added.

Furthermore, the Government Spokesman Mr Kypros Chrysostomides stated that the significance of the counter statement must not be underestimated noting that it was rendered necessary due to Turkey’s unacceptable declaration. "It was a common belief of all EU member states that a counter statement was needed and that we should not limit ourselves to the initial response of the British Presidency", Mr Chrysostomides said and added: "The counter statement is a unanimous, political decision of the European Union, taken by all 25 member states, and it has equal importance as the other decisions taken unanimously by the Councils of the EU. The effort, therefore, to undermine it is unjustified under the circumstances".

[To see the full text of the counter statement click here]

National Council discusses Cyprus and EU-Turkey developments

The President briefed the members of the National Council over the long and arduous deliberations that led to the EU counter statement and the negotiating framework of Ankara’s EU accession talks. “The President of the Republic outlined the provisions of these two texts as regards Cyprus and the Cyprus problem”, the Government Spokesman told reporters after the meeting on 23 September. He added that Mr Papadopoulos also briefed the Council on the meetings he had held in New York, including his meeting with the UN Secretary-General, on the sidelines of the 60th UN General Assembly. “The members of the National Council expressed their views on the content of the counter-statement and the negotiating framework”, the Spokesman also said, noting that some political parties expressed their disagreement with the handlings and the conclusion of the deliberations in Brussels.

EU agrees on Turkey’s negotiating framework – Cyprus Government expresses satisfaction

The EU Foreign Ministers reached on 4 October an agreement on Turkey’s EU negotiating framework, following more than 24 hours of intense discussions in Luxembourg. The President of the Republic expressed his satisfaction with the agreement which allowed for the commencement of EU-Turkey accession talks. In addition, the Government Spokesman said the EU-Turkey negotiating framework enabled Cyprus to maintain in full all those advantages it had secured in the EU documents concerning Turkey. He also made specific reference to the last two paragraphs of the framework text, namely, the EU counterstatement to Turkey's unilateral declaration that it does not recognise Cyprus and the references of the EU Council's Legal Service that Turkey's participation in the intergovernmental conference is a de facto recognition of the Republic of Cyprus. ''Turkey has to realise that it should comply with the EU conditions because it is negotiating with a big nation block on an intergovernmental level and the 25 member states are not ready to let her enter on her own conditions,'' Mr Chrysostomides concluded.

[To see the full text of Turkey’s negotiating framework click here]

President Papadopoulos gives press conference on the Cyprus problem and the EU

A firm and unshakeable goal is the solution of the Cyprus problem, which will overturn in practice the status quo of the occupation and will safeguard the interests of the people of Cyprus as a whole, while a solution must be in accordance with the resolutions of the UN and the principles on which the EU is founded, President Papadopoulos stressed during a televised press conference on 6 October, adding that the Greek Cypriot side has taken initiatives in this direction submitting the UN Secretary General the amendments to the Annan plan and asking Kofi Annan not abandon his efforts for the resumption of the talks with the aim of reaching an agreement at the earliest possible time.

He further noted that despite the fact that the start of accession negotiations between Turkey and the EU did not concern the detailed parameters of a solution to the Cyprus problem, the Cyprus Government had secured the obligation by Turkey to continue to be committed to the achievement of a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem within the framework of the UN and according to the principles which form the foundation of the Union, including steps for the creation of a favourable climate and the normalization of its relations with the Republic of Cyprus.

Replying to press questions, the President stated that the right of veto would always be among Cyprus' options during Turkey's EU accession course, but pointed out that the prons and cons of such a move should be carefully thought out. He also explained that “if Turkey does not fulfill its obligations it will have a serious problem with the EU” and reminded that the first assessment with regard to the fulfillment of Turkey’s obligations would take place in 2006.

[For the full text of the President's introductory statement at his press conference click here]


UN Secretary-General’s Report on UNFICYP – Cyprus Government satisfied

The UN Secretary-General Mr Kofi Annan continues to believe that “only the achievement of a comprehensive settlement will bring an end to the Cyprus problem” and that “in the absence of such a comprehensive settlement, the presence of UNFICYP on the island continues to be necessary”. In his report on the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (29.11.2005), which covers the period from 21 May until 24 November 2004, Mr Annan recommends that the UN Security Council extends the mandate of UNFICYP for a further period of six months, until 15 June 2005. He also notes that he does not believe that the time is ripe to appoint a full time person dedicated to his good offices.

The Government Spokesman Mr Kypros Chrysostomides expressed the Government’s satisfaction with the report of the UN Secretary-General Mr Kofi Annan and particularly with Mr Annan’s references to the issue of sending a Special Representative on the Cyprus problem. Replying to press questions on the issue on 2 December, Mr Chrysostomides said that the Government was satisfied with the intention expressed by Mr Annan to continue his Good Offices Mission and, depending on the developments, to send an Ad Hoc adviser to Cyprus to test whether there is common ground and try to create common ground for the resumption of negotiations. “The Government will continue to cooperate with the UN Secretary-General so as to create the conditions for the resumption of the procedures for the solution of the problem and the reunification of Cyprus”, Mr Chrysostomides said.

The process for the opening of Ledra Street comes to an end following Turkish provocative actions

A few days after the Cyprus Government had informed the European Commission on its intention to open the Ledra Street crossing point in Nicosia, the occupation regime began works on 25 November for the construction of a bridge, commencing from a point north of Ermou Street and ending in the buffer zone. On 28 November, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sotos Zackheos, informed the Ambassadors of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council in Nicosia that the Cyprus Government had decided to withdraw its consent for the opening of the Ledra Street checkpoint and that if the status quo along the Green Line was not restored, the Government would not accept the opening of the passage at Ledra Street. In statements from Dublin on 29 November, President Papadopoulos described the Turkish activities as unacceptable, adding that they constituted a violation of the buffer zone.

Statements by the President of the Republic

“The case of Ledra Street will not become a precedent for the occupation forces to claim half of the buffer zone, something which seems to be their plan for the whole of Cyprus”, the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos stated on 4 December. The President pointed out that nobody sought a confrontation with the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), and added: “but where we believe we are right we must remain firm to our positions”.

In other statements on 7 December, President Papadopoulos underlined that “we will not accept any occupation of the buffer zone, or the creation of a border station, and those who say that the United Nations have a different view, they are wrong”. Commenting on the Turkish activities at the Ledra Street checkpoint, the President noted that the Turkish actions proved that the whole effort was made in order to give the impression that the Turkish side was interested in the reunification of the island and added that its actions did not aim at building bridges of reunification but bridges of separation. “The nature of the works proves that they are not building a bridge of reunification but a bridge of partition”, President Papadopoulos said.

Statements by the Government Spokesman

“The violations of the military status quo by the occupation army and the Turkish Army’s overall aggressive behaviour are running counter to the obligations undertaken by Turkey vis-a-vis the European Union or the obligations imposed by the EU on Ankara”, the Government Spokesman Mr Kypros Chrysostomides pointed out on 12 December, noting that under the Negotiating Framework Agreement and the Partnership Agreement between the EU and Turkey, Ankara would also be evaluated on the basis of actions taken by its occupation army on Cyprus. “In the revised Partnership between Turkey and the EU, which was approved on 12 December at the General Affairs and External Relations Council, there is a clear reference to Turkey’s short term obligation to contribute towards the creation of a favourable climate for the solution of the Cyprus problem, and to the need for Turkey to normalize relations with the Republic of Cyprus”, he said.

“In particular, with regard to the Ledra street area, the Government has raised the issue with the United Nations and has given it all the information in its possession”, the Government Spokesman said and added: “We like to believe that UNFICYP, which has the responsibility of maintaining the ceasefire and the status quo, will take action in accordance with its mandate and will display the determination warranted by the situation”.

Proposal by the Cyprus Government to break the deadlock at Ledra Street

The Cyprus Government submitted on 6.12.2005 an official proposal to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus for breaking the deadlock at Ledra Street, demonstrating in this way its wish for the opening of the Ledra Street checkpoint.
This was revealed by the Government Spokesman Mr Kypros Chrysostomides during his daily press briefing on 8.12.2005. The proposal includes, inter alia, the following:

i) the immediate freezing of all activities that are carried out in the area of Ledra and Ermou Streets related to the crossing point, and ii) UNFICYP should immediately begin deliberations in order to determine the arrangements that are necessary for the opening of a new crossing point at Ledra Street, without any obstruction.”

The Government Spokesman, in a statement on 9.12.2005, also noted that the Government’s initial proposal for the opening of the Ledra Street checkpoint was included in the Confidence Building Measures, which the Greek Cypriot side had submitted on 16.7.2004. In the proposal, it was pointed out that an essential condition for the opening of Ledra Street would be the transfer or withdrawal of all military posts in the region, as well as the removal of all obstacles and the demining of the area.

UNFICYP calls on the T/C to stop construction works at Ledra Street

The UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus issued a press release on 8.12.2005 in which it was stated that the construction works, which were carried out by the Turkish side in the area of Ledra Street, should stop and that unilateral initiatives were incompatible with the spirit pf the Confidence Building Measures. It was also noted that “UNFICYP is unable to support or facilitate the opening of the proposed crossing at Ledra Street in the absence of the consent of both parties” adding that “the mission’s view is that while the construction undertaken by the Turkish side is outside the buffer zone, being to the north of the ceasefire line, it should cease”. Finally, the press release said that “UNFICYP has protested the fact that, even as the Security Council met yesterday in New York to discuss the Secretary-General’s report on the renewal of the mission’s mandate, Turkish Cypriot workers seeking to clear rubble from an area adjacent to the construction site, crossed into the buffer zone”.

A Spokesman of the UN Secretary General in New York made on 10.12.2005 a similar statement, in which he calls the Turkish Cypriots “to stop construction works at Ledra Street and urges the two sides to resume efforts to find mutually acceptable arrangements for the opening of the Ledra Street crossing”.

The UN Security Council renews UNFICYP mandate

The UN Security-Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1642 (2005) during an official meeting on 15.12.2005 by which the mandate of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) is renewed for a further period of six months, until 15 June 2006. In the Resolution, it is noted that the Government of Cyprus has agreed that, in view of the prevailing conditions in the island, it is necessary to keep UNFICYP beyond 15 December 2005. The UN Security Council reaffirms all its relevant resolutions on Cyprus, in particular Resolution 1251 of 29 June 1999 and subsequent resolutions; It expresses concern for the differences that have arisen over the construction activity related to the proposed additional crossing point at Ledra Street and urges both sides to cooperate with UNFICYP to resolve the issue. Finally, it regrets that “progress towards a political solution has been negligible at best” and urges both sides to work towards the resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive settlement.

President Papadopoulos comments on the Resolution

The President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos stated on 15 December that the United Nations Security Council’s resolution on the renewal of the mandate of the UNFICYP for another six more months does not equate both sides regarding the responsibility for the deadlock on the issue of Ledra Street, which can only be resolved through dialogue. Invited to comment on the resolution President Papadopoulos further said that “a great effort had been made for the word 'construction' of the bridge to remain, since some countries wanted to delete the clear reference” about the constructions of the occupation army. He also added that the only way to solve the problem was through understanding and dialogue, noting that “the dialogue is desirable on all issues provided that the fundamental principles that we have set are met.”

Statements by the UN Secretary-General

“I don't think the name of the plan is important. What is important is that, in the end, there is a plan on the table that rallies both sides and they both agree and unify and live in peace”, the UN Secretary-General Mr Kofi Annan stated and added that he had not yet concluded that the parties were genuinely ready to proceed to the negotiating table and get into the necessary give-and-take that would lead to a settlement.

Mr Annan was replying to a press question on whether he intended “to make a new plan carrying his name”, during the year-end press conference that was held at the UN headquarters in New York on 21 December 2005.

“During the General Assembly session I saw both the Turkish and the Greek Cypriot leaders and indicated to them that my good offices are still available, but of course I will have to make a judgment as to whether the situation is ripe for us to resume negotiations and if the parties genuinely are ready to get into the necessary give-and-take that will lead to a settlement. I have not concluded that we are there yet”, Mr Annan said.

President Papadopoulos comments on the statements made by Mr Annan

The statement by the UN Secretary General Mr Kofi Annan that the situation is not yet ripe to resume negotiations is similar to the position of the Greek Cypriot side that any new dialogue must be well prepared to have rational expectations, so that it will not collapse after a short time, the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos stressed during a visit to a National Guard army post in Ledra Street on 22 December 2005. The President said that one must take into consideration what messages will be given by a collapse of negotiations in a short time and pointed out that the Secretary General had reservations in appointing a Permanent Representative.

“We want a more active involvement of the EU in every new effort, but the EU does not want nor would it accept to substitute the UN in their role,” President Papadopoulos added.

Developments (January – March 2006)


Message by the President on the occasion of the New Year 2006

President Papadopoulos, in his message to the people of Cyprus on the occasion of the New Year 2006, outlined the basic pillars of the Government’s policy vis-ΰ-vis the settlement of the Cyprus problem. These pillars are the following:

-Work for the creation of the necessary conditions that would render the dialogue fruitful and productive,
-A new dialogue should be prepared very well so as to have a reasonable chance of success,
-An agreed solution, without arbitration and pressing time limits,
-A solution must be based on the decisions of the United Nations and not clash with the fundamental principles of the European Union.

The President addressed to the Turkish Cypriots a message of friendship, as he called it, asking them to understand and recognise the justified concerns of the Greek Cypriots.

General Ozkok: Cyprus is the cornerstone of Turkey’s security

Defending Ankara’s rights and interests in Cyprus, which constitutes the cornerstone of Turkey’s security in the Eastern Mediterranean, is one of the basic foundations of the country’s security strategy, the Turkish General Staff Chief, General Hilmi Ozkok, noted in his New Year Message, as published in the website of the Turkish General Staff
(http://www.tsm.mil.tr ). He said that another important element for Turkish security was taking the necessary measures against threats to the country’s territorial integrity, its national unity and the survival of the regime.

President Papadopoulos rejects Ozkok’s positions

The President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos and the political leadership condemned the statements made by General Ozkok. President Papadopoulos said specifically that ''these are old views by Mr Ozkok and Turkey, which our Government rejects”. Furthermore, press releases issued by political parties said the Turkish General’s statements affirmed once more Ankara’s expansionist tendencies and its persistence in long-standing strategic planning upon which its intransigent stance on the Cyprus problem is founded.

The issue was also raised at the European Commission by the Cypriot MEP, member of the European People’s Party, Mr Yiannakis Matsis, who pointed out that the Ozkok position confirmed Ankara’s intention to continue the illegal occupation of the Cyprus Republic, an EU member state, something that did not help Turkey’s efforts to harmonize with EU values and principles and to accede to the Union.

New Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus

The new Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus and Head of the UN Peace-keeping Force (UNFICYP), Mr Michael Moller, assumed his duties on 4 January 2006.

Belgian Foreign Minister visits Cyprus

The solution of the Cyprus problem is a precondition for Turkey’s accession to the European Union, Belgium’s Foreign Minister Mr Karel De Gucht said, noting that a Cyprus settlement was important for the EU and for maintaining peace and stability in the broader European region.

Speaking to the press after a meeting on 9 January 2006 with his Cypriot counterpart Mr George Iacovou, Mr De Gucht, who was visiting the island, stressed that Turkey had to fulfil all its obligations toward the European Union, referring specifically to the need for speedy ratification and implementation of the Ankara Protocol on the extension of Turkey’s Customs Union agreement with all new EU member states, including the Republic of Cyprus.

Involvement of the five Permanent Members of the Security Council in Cyprus – Visit by President Papadopoulos in Russia

“We want all the permanent members of the Security Council to be involved and to have a more active role, and not as it happened last time when only two members out of the five were actively involved”, President Papadopoulos stressed, speaking at the Larnaca Airport prior to his departure for Moscow where he held a working visit on 20 – 23 January.

Furthermore, speaking during a dinner in honour of Archbishop Demetrios in Nicosia, he noted: “Talks under the aegis of the United Nations and the supervision of all the permanent members of the Security Council cannot be replaced by neither a four-party conference nor unsolicited initiatives by a single permanent member of the Council”. (29.1.2006)

Papadopoulos – Putin meeting

“Russia has always played a significant role in the Cyprus problem and will continue to play a role in the future, within the framework of the institutions created by the United Nations Organization”, the President of the Russian Federation Mr Vladimir Putin stressed during his meeting at the Kremlin with the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos. On his part, President Papadopoulos said Mr Putin had reassured him that there would be no change in Moscow’s policy on Cyprus, a policy that was based on positions of principle. (23.1.2006)

Turkish action plan on the Cyprus problem – Local reactions

The Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul announced during a press conference broadcasted live on CNN Turk TV on 24 January an “action plan” on the Cyprus problem, which Ankara had submitted to the UN Secretary-General on 20 January. The action plan is a detailed version – comprising ten points – of the proposal submitted by Mr Gul on May 2005 for mutual and simultaneous lifting of all restrictions and isolation measures in Cyprus. Specifically the action plan suggests, inter alia, the opening of the Turkish seaports and airports to Cypriot vessels and aircrafts, respectively, the opening of the occupied ports of Famagusta, Kyrenia and Karavostassi and the occupied airport of Tymbou, the accession of North Cyprus, as an economic entity, to the EU Customs Union, unhindered direct trade between the two sides, and a high-level meeting to be convened not later than May/June 2006 under the auspices of the UN with the participation of Turkey, Greece, the Greek Cypriot community and the Turkish Cypriot community.

President Papadopoulos
The President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos said he did not see anything new in the proposal on Cyprus put forward by Ankara to the UN Secretary-General. Speaking upon his return from Russia, President Papadopoulos noted: “I don’t see anything new. This is the proposal made by Mr Gul on 30 May 2004, which I believe is nothing but an attempt by Turkey to avoid its obligations towards Cyprus and the EU, according to its negotiating framework”. He then pointed out that it was not the first time that Turkey was asking for something in return in order to fulfil its obligations. (24.1.2006)

Government Spokesman
The Government Spokesman Mr George Lillikas, commenting on 26 January on the Turkish action plan, said the proposals could in no way constitute even the object of a dialogue. Mr Lillikas noted that with its proposals Turkey aimed, on the one hand, to free itself from the obligation it had towards the EU to implement the Customs Union Protocol and by extension, from its obligations towards the Republic of Cyprus and on the other hand, to politically upgrade the pseudostate. “We do not accept either aim, as they cannot constitute the object of a dialogue” the Spokesman added. He then referred reporters to the statements made a day before by the Turkish Ambassador in Rome, who, presenting the Turkish action plan during a press conference, called on the Cyprus Government to accept the “realities” in Cyprus, namely, the existence, as he called it, of two states and two peoples.

Why Nicosia says “No”

The Government gives the precise reasons for rejecting the “Action Plan” for Cyprus in a three page memorandum which has already been sent to the European Union member countries. In the memorandum, the Government states its arguments, invoking the international law, the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the relevant communal texts. In particular, the Government stresses the following:

• The proposal made by Mr Gul is a repetition of an older proposal made by him on 30 May 2005, which has already been rejected by the Cyprus Government.
• The only new element is the idea of convening a four party conference between Turkey, Greece, the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot Community, which cannot be accepted since there is an attempt to equate three states with the Turkish Cypriot community. In essence there is an attempt to downgrade the status of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and at the same time to upgrade the Turkish Cypriots.
• Mr Gul is trying to give legality to his so called “state” by granting it government competences such as the control of the ports and airports of the Turkish occupied areas in violation of resolutions 541 and 550 of the United Nations Security Council. Only the legal Government of Cyprus has this competence.
• The Turkish Minister tries with his proposal to gain exchanges by “bargaining” Turkey’s obligation to open its ports and airports to the Republic of Cyprus for the demand “to open” the northern occupied part of Cyprus to direct trade and flights. The statement made by the EU Enlargement Commissioner Mr Oli Rehn last November is cited here, namely that Turkey must safeguard the full implementation of the Protocol extending its Customs Union Agreement with all EU member states.
• The trade activities of the Turkish occupied areas in and out of the island can be carried out through the Republic of Cyprus with the implementation of the “Green Line” regulation. President Papadopoulos’ proposal for the joint management of the port of Famagusta and the simultaneous return of the fenced city is presented as a formula for the solution of the Cyprus problem. Turkey tries to involve the UN Secretary General and the Security Council in an issue which concerns Turkey’s obligations in the EU. It is stressed that the UN has no role in this issue.
• Nicosia is willing to be involved in negotiations for the solution of the Cyprus problem, with careful preparation, without arbitration and strict timeframes.

• We do not seek a confrontation or a disagreement with Great Britain or with any other country. Unfortunately, our confrontation is imposed by Mr Straw.
• We are determined to defend our rights but also to fight in order to safeguard the correct framework for the solution of the Cyprus problem and the correct process which will lead to the solution of the Cyprus problem.
• We have ascertained serious contradictions in Great Britain’s policy. On one hand, he states the willingness of Great Britain to contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem; on the other hand, he clearly takes a biased stance in favour of the Turkish positions. With Mr Straw’s statements the proof of neutrality and objectivity are in no way safeguarded.
• Mr Straw’ reference that allegedly the Government of Cyprus does not seek the development of the Turkish Cypriots distorts the truth. The Government, with its own proposal, succeeded in the adoption on 26 April 2004 of the package of 259 million euros as assistance to the Turkish Cypriots.
• After many deliberations within the EU, two months ago, we had reached an agreement with a statement which would be issued by the Commissioner and which would allow the provision of the financial assistance package to the T/C and would separate the discussion on trade from that on financial assistance. Twenty-four out of the twenty-five EU member countries supported this approach and the Commissioner’s proposal as well as the written statement he had prepared; and the country which prevented the taking of the decision giving the assistance to the T/C, was Great Britain, which isolated and in full opposition to the other twenty four member states blocked this decision, thus depriving the T/C of the EU economic assistance. Alone and without any support from the other 25 member states, it insisted on linking the financial assistance with the direct trade.

• Trade will be carried out from the port of Famagusta through a private legal organization (the two chambers of commerce) and under the European Commission’s administration
• The return of Varosha to its legal inhabitants, namely to the Greek Cypriots
• Moratorium on the selling of Greek Cypriot properties in the Turkish occupied areas

Meeting between President Papadopoulos and the UN Secretary General

The President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos had a meeting in Paris with the UN Secretary-General Mr Kofi Annan on 28 February 2006. At the end of the meeting, which lasted for 75 minutes, a joint statement was issued, which stated, inter alia, the following:

• The UN Secretary-General and President Papadopoulos agreed, as they have in the past, that the resumption of the negotiating process within the framework of the Secretary-General's Good Offices must be timely and based on careful preparation. To that end, the Secretary-General was pleased to note that the leaders of both communities have agreed that bi-communal discussions on a series of issues, on which an agreement is needed for the benefit of all Cypriots, will be carried out at a technical level.
• The Secretary-General and Mr. Papadopoulos also agreed that it would be beneficial for all concerned, and would greatly improve the atmosphere for further talks, if progress could be achieved on the further disengagement of forces and the demilitarization of the Island, on the complete de-mining of Cyprus, and on the issue of Famagusta.

The present phase of the Cyprus problem, its future prospects in the light of President Papadopoulos’ meeting with the UN Secretary-General in Paris and Turkey’s European course, were the focus of the meeting between President Papadopoulos and the Greek Prime Minister Mr Costas Karamanlis in Athens on 8 March 2006.

In his statements, the Greek Premier reiterated the positions of the Greek side, which are as follows:

• The resumption of the negotiations should be done very carefully and on the basis of a well prepared procedure, without arbitration and suffocating timeframes
• The solution which will come about will have to comply with the relevant UN decisions and take into consideration the new realities created by Cyprus’ accession to the European Union.

Developments (April - June 2006)

Greek FM visits Cyprus

Greece’s Foreign Minister Ms Dora Bakoyianni held a three-day official visit to Cyprus on 4 – 6 April 2006, during which she had meetings with President Papadopoulos, her Cypriot counterpart Mr Iacovou and party leaders.

In statements to the press at Larnaca Airport upon her arrival, Ms Bakoyianni stressed that the settlement of the Cyprus problem was the first priority of the Greek foreign policy. “After Paris”, she noted, “there is a new dynamic that we must make use of”. She also said she looked forward to a new round of constructive and substantial talks.

Regarding the Annan plan, the Greek FM said it was “history” since it was proposed and rejected by the Cypriot people. “A new agreed proposal for a solution, which will be submitted again for approval, must be based on the decisions of the UN and the work done by the organisation – since 9,500 pages will not be thrown away – but it must also be based on the new reality, which is the European reality”, she added.

On Turkey’s European course, Ms Bakoyianni said Greece believed in and supported that course, while clarifying that it was important for Turkey to accept and implement its obligations towards the EU.

Meeting of G/C and T/C parties – participation of Michael Moller

On 5 April 2006 a meeting took place between G/C and T/C parties in the presence of Mr Michael Moller, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative. Mr Moller expressed his readiness to accept an invitation by the political parties of the two communities for a discussion on the future course of the Cyprus problem. “At today’s meeting at Ledra Palace, the discussion focused on how to move forward with the Cyprus problem in a way that is acceptable by the two communities so as to ensure a successful conclusion”, Mr Moller told journalists after the meeting.

President Papadopoulos holds official visit to India, 11-16 April 2006

The traditionally excellent relations between Cyprus and India were reconfirmed by the President’s official visit to India on 11 – 16 April 2006. During his visit, President Papadopoulos met with the President, the Prime Minister and Ministers of the Indian Government, with whom he discussed the Cyprus problem, ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, the UN reform and international issues.

The Indian President Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam reiterated his country’s support to the attainment of a fair and viable Cyprus settlement, in accordance with UN resolutions and the expectations of the Cypriot people. He also welcomed the meeting in Paris between the UN Secretary-General and President Papadopoulos in the framework of efforts to prepare the ground for resuming talks, under UN auspices, for reaching a mutually acceptable, viable and functional settlement.

On his part, President Papadopoulos repeated Cyprus’ gratitude to India for its support on the Cyprus problem through the years and assured his Indian counterpart that Cyprus would support India’s bid to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council. He also assured the Indian Government that Cyprus stood by its side regarding its relations with the EU.

Statements by Erdogan and Sezer

The Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan took the opportunity of his speech before the fourth conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference to attack the Greek Cypriot side and say that as long as the “isolation” of the Turkish Cypriots was not lifted no one should demand from Turkey to display a positive approach on the Cyprus problem. (Milliet, 12.4.2006)

Similarly, the Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, speaking on 11 April at the War Academies command in Istanbul, said nothing substantial should be expected of Turkey on Cyprus until the end of the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. He further claimed that “the most important step to be taken to lift the ‘embargoes’ imposed on the T/C side would be the financial assistance and direct trade [EU package]”. (12.4.2006)

US Secretary of State visits Greece and Turkey

The US Secretary of State Ms Condoleezza Rice visited Greece on 25 April 2006 and met with her counterpart Ms Dora Bakoyianni. On the agenda for discussion were, the Cyprus problem, Greco-Turkish relations, Turkey’s European course, the situation in the Balkans and Iran’s nuclear programme.

Speaking to the press and referring to the Cyprus issue, Ms Bakoyianni underlined that Greece was firmly committed to the achievement of a just, viable and functional solution to the problem. She also added the following: “Recently we have seen a new impetus which we must all make the best of. We must create the conditions for the start of a new effort within the United Nations organization, an effort that will have seriously guaranteed success. Nobody, I believe, can take another failure. On our side in Greece, always in collaboration with the Republic of Cyprus, we are working in a firm and decisive manner on this matter in this direction.”

On her part, the US Secretary of State underlined the need to resolve the Cyprus issue, saying that “it is something that has gone on far too long” and expressing the hope “that the elements for a Cyprus resolution might come into being”. “The US is encouraging Turkey to do what it must on the outstanding Cyprus issues; but Cyprus also to do what it can to ease the isolation of northern Cyprus and to act responsibly in trying to complete the elements that would lead to Turkey's accession, which we consider to be very important”, Ms Rice added, noting “the constructive attitude that Greece has taken concerning Turkey's European perspective”.

Ms Rice’s reference to ‘northern Cyprus’ triggered a reaction by the Government Spokesman, Mr Lillikas, who described the term as “inappropriate” and added: “For the Government, there are ‘occupied areas of Cyprus’ by the Turkish army; on the basis of the terminology used by the European Union in some of its documents regarding the acquis communautaire, there are references to the territories which are not controlled by the Republic but which still belong to the Republic of Cyprus”. (26.4.2006)

Right after her contacts in Athens, the US Secretary of State departed for Turkey where she held talks with her Turkish counterpart Mr Gul.

The Turkish Foreign Minister, speaking at a joint press conference with his US counterpart on 25 April, said they exchanged during the meeting views on the Cyprus problem and the EU, and that within that framework he expressed “Turkey’s gratitude for the support of the US during times of difficulty regarding the EU”.

The two Foreign Ministers agreed on the preparation of a visionary document concerning the future of Turkish-US relations that would serve as a mechanism for carrying out more contacts and visits by the two sides.

Interview by Talat – Comment by Lillikas

In his first statements after his recovery from a heart operation, the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Talat said on illegal Bayrak television’s Aktuel programme (21.04.06) that in case the Greek Cypriot side wanted to start new negotiations for a settlement on a zero basis, he was willing to do that provided that the basis for the solution would be the Annan plan, that there would be a time limit and that at the end of the process there should be arbitration. The Government Spokesman Mr George Lillikas, commenting on Talat’s statements, noted that “by setting three preconditions for the resumption of talks, he [Talat] annuls his position about a new dialogue on a zero basis”. (26.4.2006)

Census in the occupied areas

A census of the population and buildings in the occupied areas of Cyprus was conducted on Sunday 30 April 2006. A day-time curfew was imposed on that day between 05.00 in the morning and 06.00 in the afternoon. The majority of Turkish Cypriot newspapers (Kibris, Ortam, Halkin Sesi and Afrika, 1.5.2006) included reports of people complaining that the “officers” conducting the census did not visit their houses. ‘Afrika’ described the census as a “fiasco” and said it was conducted with “the most ‘primitive method in the world”. ‘Hurriyet’ reported that the result of the census would be used in future negotiations on the Cyprus problem, especially regarding population and property issues.

Commenting on the census, the Government Spokesman Mr Lillikas said it had no political significance. Mr Lillikas expressed the view that a census in the occupied areas was needed but it should be conducted through objective procedures and in the presence of foreign observers so as to reveal the real facts and determine the right number of Turkish settlers. (2.5.2006)

Similarly, the chairman of the EU Association in occupied Cyprus Mr Ali Erel, said, in statements to the T/C press on 8.4.2006, that observers from the United Nations, the European Union and the Council of Europe should be present for the census.

The population in the occupied areas of the Republic, according to the preliminary results of the census, reached 264.172, noting an increase of 31,7% since 1996 when the population was 200.587. The results were announced during a press conference by the so-called prime minister Ferdi Soyer. (Kibris 6.5.2006)

President Papadopoulos visits Egypt (4 – 7 May 2006)

President Papadopoulos held a three-day official visit in Egypt, at the invitation of his Egyptian counterpart Mr Hosni Mubarak, during which he had meetings with President Mubarak, the Prime Minister of the country, the House President and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States.

President Papadopoulos’ talks with the Egyptian leadership were focused on two areas: political matters and bilateral relations. On the political level, both President Mubarak and the Prime Minister of Egypt Mr Ahmed Nazif reiterated their country’s support, at the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and the UN, to the Cyprus Government’s efforts for a resolution of the Cyprus problem. Furthermore, the Secretary-General of the Arab League Mr Amre Moussa affirmed that the League supported Cyprus and its people in the efforts for resolving the country’s political problem.

Within the framework of President Papadopoulos’ visit, five agreements for bilateral cooperation were signed. Specifically the following agreements were signed:

· Agreement on the development of hydrocarbon sources in the line which divides the exclusive economic zones of the two countries,
· Agreement for the provision of technical knowledge by Egypt,
· Protocol on Scientific Cooperation in the fields of Research and Development,
· Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation and Development, and
· Special Programme on Cultural, Scientific and Technical Cooperation.

Talat sends letter to Annan – Annan response – Comment by Lillikas

The Turkish Cypriot leader sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General in which he claimed that President Papadopoulos, in statements to French magazine “L’Express”, rejected the solution of a bizonal, bicommunal federation. (Kibris 15.5.2006)

Responding to Mr Talat’s claim, the Government Spokesman Mr Lillikas underlined that “the firmness of the President of the Republic on the issue of the bizonal, bicommunal federation has been repeatedly proved” and called on Mr Talat to clarify the kind of a solution he wanted for Cyprus, “a solution of two states or of one state under a federal form”.

Mr Lillikas gave out to the Press the full text – 16 pages long – of President Papadopoulos’ interview to the French magazine “L’Express” in order to raise possible doubts.

Hasan Ercakica, “’TRNC Presidency’ spokesman”, said the UN Secretary-General replied on 22.5.2006 to Mr Talat's letter (sent on 4.4.2006) in which he [Mr Annan] said current conditions in Cyprus did not allow him to undertake fully his mission of good offices. (Ankara Anatolia news agency 30.05.06)

Parliamentary elections

Parliamentary elections – the ninth since the establishment of the Cyprus Republic – were held on 21 May 2006 with the participation of eleven parties and six independent candidates. The voting results are as follows:

AKEL – Left Wing and New Forces: 31,13%, 18 seats
DISY (Democratic Rally): 30,34%, 18 seats
DIKO (Democratic Party): 17,91%, 11 seats
The Social Democrats – EDEK: 8,92%, 5 seats
European Party: 5,75%, 3 seats
Ecologists and Environmentalists: 1,95%, 1 seat
EDI (United Democrats): 1,56%
“Free Citizens” Movement: 1,22%
European Democracy: 0,44%
Hunters’ Political Movement: 0,26%
People’s Socialist Movement: 0,23%
Six Independent Candidates: 0,29%


Report by the UN Secretary General – comment by Lillikas

The UN Secretary General Mr Kofi Annan underlines, in his report to the UN Security Council on the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), the importance of the resumption of contacts between the two sides in order to think of ways to re-engage in the search of a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem, and recommends the extension of the mandate of UNFICYP for a further period of six months (23.5.2006).

The report describes the events of the last six months which relate to the mandate of UNFICYP, as well as the contacts between the UN Secretary General and his Representative with the two communities.

“Over the past six months, both the Greek Cypriot leader and the Turkish
Cypriot leader renewed their calls for a resumption of my mission of good offices. While there were signals of some willingness to begin to re-engage, there have been no tangible indicators of an evolution in the respective positions” the UN Secretary General notes in his report.

Referring to his meeting with President Papadopoulos in Paris on the 28 February, Mr Kofi Annan states that he conveyed his assessment that the situation was not yet ripe for the resumption of full-fledged political talks and that he expressed his concern that the gap between words and deeds was still too wide. He encouraged the Cyprus President to do what he could to narrow those gaps.

Mr Annan stresses that the “bicommunal discussions at the technical level are not intended to be a substitute for the negotiating process towards a comprehensive settlement in the framework of my mission of good offices, but a step aimed at building trust and understanding, paving the way for the resumption of full-scale negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement.”

In his Observations, Kofi Annan underlines that he continues to believe that the two sides must “match words with action”.

Commenting on the UN Secretary General’s report, the Government Spokesman Mr Yiorgos Lillikas reiterated once again the readiness of the Government to put into effect and participate in a process of preparation of talks. “We are interested in the solution of the Cyprus problem as soon as possible on the basis and in the framework of what has been discussed and decided during the President’s meeting with the UN Secretary General in Paris. Our side supports every effort of the United Nations and of other countries so that the discussion, on a technical level, of the issues that can facilitate the resumption of negotiations, can proceed. We will do whatever is possible and all we can on our part to maintain a good climate, so that a real chance can be given to start a new process that can lead us to well prepared talks with possibilities of achieving an agreed solution ( 25.5.2006.)

Cooperation Protocol between Turkey and the pseudostate

An economic assistance protocol was signed in Ankara between Turkey and the pseudostate, which provides for a loan of 135 million USD to the pseudostate. The protocol was signed by the Turkish State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif Sener and the so called “Prime Minister” Ferdi Sabit Soyer (Ankara Anatolia News Agency, 30.5.2006).

Russian Foreign Minister’s visit to Turkey - Economic committee

The Foreign Minister of Russia Mr Sergey Lavrov paid an official two day visit to Turkey between 30.05.06 - 1.6.2006. Mr Lavrov met with his Turkish counterpart Mr Abdullah Gul with whom he discussed the Cyprus problem and the situation in Iran.

The reports of the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish press on the outcome of the Lavrov visit in relation to the Cyprus issue differ. Some reports state that the Turkish Foreign Minister was satisfied with the Russian position that the Cyprus issue must be resolved in the framework of the United Nations and not the European Union (Radical, Zamam, 1.6.2006), while other reports state that Turkey did not secure from Russia the support it wanted on the Cyprus issue. The title of Cumhuriyet is characteristic “No support by Russia on the Cyprus issue”, while Turkiye (1.6.2006) reports that Mr Gul explained in detail his “Action Plan” regarding Cyprus, but was unable to secure Mr Lavrov’s open support.

It must be noted that the visit by Lavrov coincided with the meeting of the Turkey-Russia Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in Ankara, the result of which was the signing of a protocol between the two countries. The Protocol was signed by the Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen and by the Russian Industry and Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko. In statements Mr Tuzmen said that they decided to discuss ways to provide permanent flow of natural gas from Russia to Turkey and ways to cut natural gas prices. "Trade volume between Russia and Turkey rose by 50 percent in 2005 when compared with 2004, and it exceeded 15 billion USD. This figure will reach 18 billion USD by the end of this year. We will achieve our bilateral trade volume target of 25 billion USD in 2008," Mr Tuzmen stated (Anatolia News Agency 30.05.06).

Demetris Christofias was re-elected House President

Following the Parliamentary Elections of 21 May 2006, the House of Representatives convened for its first meeting on 1June 2006 and elected the General Secretary of AKEL, Mr Demetris Christofias as President of the House.
Thirty five deputies of AKEL Party, the Democratic Party, DIKO, the Social-Democrats Movement, EDEK, and the Movement of Ecologists – Environmentalists, voted in favour of Mr Christofias, who was re-elected for a second term of office to the post of House President. Twenty one deputies of the Democratic Rally and the European Party voted against.

The President of the Democratic Rally Mr Nicos Anastasiades and the President of the European Party Mr Demetris Syllouris were also candidates for the Presidency of the House.

Talat’s interview to Phileleftheros newspaper - Lillikas’ reply

On 4 June 2006, Phileleftheros newspaper published an extensive interview by the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, who referred to the Cyprus problem and to EU-Turkish issues.

The way in which the Turkish Cypriot politician approached the issues of the agenda of the technical committees and the reasoning used in relation to the issue of “good neighbourly relations” are particularly interesting.

Commenting on Mr Talat’s interview, the Government Spokesman Mr Yiorgos Lillikas stressed that the interview clarifies that what Mr Talat is directly interested in is the recognition of the pseudostate and not the solution of the Cyprus problem, noting that our side is interested in the progress for a solution and not in the game of impressions.

Partial reshuffle of the Council of Ministers

The President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos announced on 8 June 2006 a reshuffle of the Council of Ministers. The composition of the new Council of Ministers is as follows:

The President of the Republic of Cyprus: Mr Tassos Papadopoulos
Minister of Defence: Mr Phivos Klokkaris
Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment: Mr Fotis Fotiou
Minister of Justice and Public Order: Mr Sophocles Sophocleous
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism: Mr Antonis Michaelides
Minister of Foreign Affairs: Mr Yiorgos Lillikas
Minister of Labour and Social Insurance: Mr Antonis Vassiliou
Minister of Interior: Mr Andreas Christou
Minister of Finance: Mr Michalis Sarris
Minister of Education and Culture: Mr Pefkios Georgiades
Minister of Communications and Works: Mr Harris Thrassou
Minister of Health: Mr Charis Charalambous
Deputy Minister to the President and Government Spokesman : Mr Christodoulos Pasiardis

Turkey’s European course - Compliance with commitments

A clear warning was given by the member states of the European Union to Turkey to comply with the commitments it has undertaken towards the EU and the Republic of Cyprus. The warning was given through the common position reached by the “25” member states in Luxembourg as well as through statements made by the Austrian EU Presidency and by Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, during a press conference. (12.6.2006)

The then Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr George Iacovou, who represented Cyprus at the meeting of the EU General Affairs Council consented to the opening and closing of the first chapter of the Turkey-EU accession negotiation process, relating to Science and Research, after Cyprus’ positions were satisfied through two amendments on this chapter. The first amendment includes a firm reference to the counter-statement of 21st September 2005 of the EU to Turkey’s unilateral declaration of not recognizing the Republic of Cyprus. The second amendment states that the EU will return, if necessary, to the particular chapter at the appropriate time. With this statement the Cyprus Government can demand the opening of this chapter if Turkey does not meet its obligations.

Barrage of Statements

The last month of the Austrian EU Presidency (June 2006) there was a barrage of statements by leaders of European countries and EU officials with which they called on Turkey to comply with its commitments towards the EU and Cyprus, especially in relation to the ratification of the Additional Protocol of its Customs Union with Cyprus, by opening its ports and airports to Cyprus ships and aircrafts.
More specifically,

§ The German Foreign Minister Mr Frank-Walter Steinmeier, noted, at a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Mr Abdullah Gul, that no progress has been made so far regarding the approval of the Additional Protocol of the Ankara Agreement on the Customs Union and asked Turkey to solve this issue by the end of the year. The German Foreign Minister said that his country wants Turkey to resolve the issue of the Protocol before Germany assumes the rotating Presidency of the EU in January 2007. Mr Steinmeier made a similar statement after a meeting he had in Athens on 23 June with his Greek counterpart Mrs Bakoyiannis.

§ The Austrian Foreign Minister Mrs Ursula Plasnik, replying to a question during a press conference (12.6.2006) called on Turkey to proceed with the implementation of the Customs Union otherwise, she said, there would be serious consequences.

§ The European Union Enlargement Commissioner Mr Olli Rehn stated that failure by Turkey to implement its obligations in full will affect the overall progress in the negotiations and stressed that in the regular progress report that the Commission will adopt in October or November there will be an overall account of Turkey’s implementation of the changes and of its compliance with the commitments it has undertaken (12.6.2006). Mr Rehn again made an appeal to Turkey to open its ports and airports to all EU member states, in a speech before the European Affairs Committee of the European Parliament which examined the Draft report on Turkey prepared by the European Member of Parliament Mr Camiel Eurlings (20.6.2006). Mr Rehn took a further step and sent a clear message to Turkey. In a statement to the Finnish news agency STT, he stressed that the European Union may fully suspend the accession negotiations with Turkey due to Ankara’s refusal to implement the customs union with Cyprus.

§ The Prime Minister of Luxembourg Mr Jean-Claude Juncker, putting aside the use of diplomatic language, stated that the European Union should freeze the accession negotiations with Turkey, if Ankara does not open its ports and airports to traffic from Cyprus this year. Mr Juncker made the above statement replying to a relevant question by the French newspaper La Croix. According to Reuter news agency, this is the clearest indication so far that some leaders will try to stop the negotiations if Turkey does not implement the additional Protocol of the European Union with the ten new EU members, including Cyprus (15.6.2006).

§ The French President Mr Jacques Chirac, in statements to the press after the European Union Summit in Brussels (16.6.2006), stated that Turkey’s failure to fulfill its commitment to open its ports to Cypriot products will endanger its ambition to accede, one day, to the European Union.

§ The Finnish Prime Minister Mr Matti Vanhanen a week before his country assumed the six-monthly rotating Presidency of the European Union (1.7.2006), stated that Turkey must accept the fact that it must negotiate its accession to the European Union with all the 25 member states of the EU, and described Turkey’s EU accession course as the “greatest challenge” in the course of the Finnish Presidency.

§ The Finnish Foreign Minister Mr Erkki Tuomioja, presenting in Brussels on 29.6.2006 the program of the Finnish EU Presidency warned that Turkey's EU talks could be halted if Ankara refuses to ratify within 2006 the Ankara Protocol expanding its Customs Union to cover the Republic of Cyprus.


Dora Bakoyiannis – Plan for a United European Cyprus

In an interview to Sunday’s Eleftherotypia Greek newspaper (18.6.2006), the Foreign Minister of Greece Mrs Dora Bakoyiannis talks about a plan for a united European Cyprus and reiterates that there is a common strategy between Athens and Nicosia.

Replying to a question whether she can see a new Annan Plan for the solution of the Cyprus problem, Mrs Bakoyiannis speaks of a new plan that could be named “Plan for a United European Cyprus”. She clarifies that this plan will result from the United Nations process and will be based on elements from the work that has been done on the level of the UN Secretary General, on the European reality which Cyprus has been experiencing for the last 2,5 years and on the willingness of the two communities.

Visit by the Turkish President to Russia

The Turkish President Mr Ahmet Sezer paid a three day official visit to Russia (28.6.2006 - 30.6.2006), during which he had talks with his Russian counterpart Mr Vladimir Putin. During the talks, bilateral relations with a particular emphasis on the ever increasing volume of trade exchanges between the two countries, issues of cooperation on electric and atomic energy and natural gas as well as cooperation in the Black Sea, were discussed. Regional issues such as the Middle East, the situation in Iran, Trans-Caucasia and the Cyprus issue were also discussed.

Visit by Dora Bakoyiannis to Russia

The Foreign Minister of Greece Mrs Dora Bakoyiannis paid a two day working visit to Russia which coincided with the visit to that country of the Turkish President Ahmet Sezer. During her stay in Moscow, Mrs Bakoyiannis discussed the Cyprus issue with the US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Mr Nicholas Burns and the Secretary of the Russian Security Council Mr Igor Ivanof.

In an interview to “Isvestia” Mrs Bakoyiannis stressed that the work that has been done by the United Nations Organization, as well as the position of Cyprus itself as an EU member state, must be taken into account for the solution of the Cyprus issue.

July 2006 - Agreement on matters of day-to-day life and substance


Gambari tour in Ankara-Athens-Nicosia

The UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Mr Ibrahim Gambari made a tour in the region in the beginning of July 2006 visiting Ankara, Athens and Nicosia. The purpose of Mr Gambari’s tour was to assess the situation on the Cyprus problem and review the prospects for a resumption of talks for a comprehensive settlement of the problem.

Specifically, the UN official had meetings with the Turkish Foreign Minister Mr Gul (3.7.2006), the Greek Foreign Minister Ms Bakoyianni (4.7.2006) and the President of PASOK Mr Papandreou (4.7.2006). The last stop in Mr Gambari’s tour was Nicosia where he held talks with the leaders of the two communities, Mr Papadopoulos and Mr Talat, and political party leaders from both communities.

Papadopoulos - Talat meeting on missing persons

The President of the Republic, Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, had a meeting on 3 July 2006 with the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Mehmet Ali Talat, at the residence of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Cyprus, Mr Michael Moller. The meeting took place on the occasion of the appointment of Mr Christophe Girod to the post of Third Member of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP).

A CMP press release said “The Members of the CMP welcomed their [President Papadopoulos and Mr Talat] presence as a tangible message of support and was gratified by the reaffirmation of their commitment to the progress of the work of the Committee”. The Committee added that it was grateful that the two leaders made a joint call to the international community for an urgent and generous contribution to the work of the CMP.

In statements after the 90-minute meeting, the two leaders said they had discussed the humanitarian issue of missing persons and other aspects of the Cyprus problem.
President Papadopoulos described the meeting as “good”, while Mr Talat said the meeting was very good and honest.

Rice – Gul meeting

The restoration of US-Turkish relations was the main topic for discussion in a meeting in Washington D.C. between the US and Turkish Foreign Ministers, Condoleezza Rice and Abdullah Gul, respectively. (5.7.2006)

The two Ministers released a "strategic vision document” in which there is reference to the Cyprus problem. Specifically, the document maintains that the two countries support “the attainment of a just, comprehensive and mutually acceptable settlement under the aegis of the UN and within that framework, the isolation of Turkish Cypriots should come to an end”.

Papadopoulos – Talat agreement

An agreement was reached between Mr Papadopoulos and Mr Talat following intensive consultations, on 6 – 8 July 2006, of the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Mr Ibrahim Gambari with the two leaders as well as with political party leaders from the two communities and the Ambassadors to Cyprus of the five Permanent Members of the Security Council. In particular, Mr Gambari held two separate meetings with the two leaders and a joint meeting, on 8 July, which resulted in the Agreement. The two leaders also met in the framework of a reception held by Mr Moller in honour of Mr Gambari.

During these meetings, President Papadopoulos submitted a written proposal to the T/C leader Mr Talat, the aim of which, according to an official press release (7.7.2006), is the immediate commencement of talks, on a technical level, on substantial aspects of the Cyprus problem, so as to prepare comprehensive negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations, with sound prospects of success. On his part, Mr Talat handed over to Mr Gambari a letter addressed to the UN Secretary-General, in which he recommends confidence-building measures between the two communities. (7.7.2006)

After the joint meeting of the two leaders, Mr Gambari read out a statement in which he mentioned, inter alia, the following:

“After a very frank and very constructive discussion we have agreed on the following:

Set of Principles

1. Commitment to the unification of Cyprus based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation and political equality, as set out in the relevant Security Council resolutions.

2. Recognition of the fact that the status quo is unacceptable and that its prolongation would have negative consequences for the Turkish and Greek Cypriots.

3. Commitment to the proposition that a comprehensive settlement is both desirable and possible, and should not be further delayed.

4. Agreement to begin a process immediately, involving bi-communal discussion of issues that affect the day to day life of the people and concurrently those that concern substantive issues, both of which will contribute to a comprehensive settlement.

5. Commitment to ensure that the "right atmosphere" prevails for this process to be successful. In that connection, confidence building measures are essential, both in terms of improving the atmosphere and improving the life of all Turkish and Greek Cypriots. Also in that connection, an end must be put to the so-called "blame game".

Decision by the two leaders

The Technical Committees on issues that affect the day to day life of people will commence by the end of July provided that, at the same time, the two Leaders will also have exchanged a list of issues of substance and its contents to be studied by expert bi-communal working groups and finalized by the Leaders. The two Leaders will meet further, from time to time as appropriate, to give directions to the expert bi-communal working groups as well as to review the work of the Technical Committees.

Reactions – Statements

President Papadopoulos

On his return to the Presidential Palace after the joint meeting on 8 July, Mr Papadopoulos remarked that the agreement reached was just to set the process off, and the difficult part would begin during the discussion of issues of substance “when it will depend on whether the two sides will show the good will to find the necessary compromises on these serious issues of substance”. He also noted that the technical committees, to be set up by the end of July, would have to discuss matters of substance as well.

In other statements made the following day (9.7.2006) at Larnaca Airport upon his departure for Athens, Mr Papadopoulos described the agreement as an important step and reiterated that discussions on issues of substance and day-to-day issues would be concurrent.

T/C leader M. Talat

The T/C side, as an equal party politically in the new partnership that will be created, will make efforts for a solution based on the parameters of the Annan plan, Mr Talat noted speaking during a press conference after the agreement was reached. He also said the T/C side was pleased with the result and expressed the view that the G/C side should be pleased also since it insisted upon discussing basic matters while the T/C side wanted that to come about inadvertently. He reiterated that the T/C side considered the Annan plan as the basis for the solution of the Cyprus problem and conveyed their position that the discussion on matters of substance will fall within the parameters of the plan.

Dora Bakoyianni, Greek Foreign Minister

The Greek Foreign Minister described the agreement as a positive and encouraging development towards the direction of implementing the agreements reached in Paris between the President of the Cyprus Republic and the UN Secretary-General. In a written statement, Ms Bakoyianni said the question now was for the discussions in the technical committees to produce specific results on matters of substance and day-to-day life, so as to create the conditions for a well-prepared effort for resolving the Cyprus issue in a just, viable and functional manner on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation. (9.7.2006)

Abdullah Gul, Turkish Foreign Minister

The Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul described the meeting between President Tassos Papadopoulos and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat as positive stating that the initiatives related to the establishment of technical committees will contribute to the improvement of the atmosphere of confidence between the two sides.

“I consider that the meeting between the two leaders of Cyprus was a positive step,” Mr Gul said and added: “we think that the exchange of views which aims at finding a comprehensive solution must be found within the framework of the Annan Plan” (10.7.2006).

EU – USA - Russia

The European Union, the USA and Russia welcomed with statements the agreement reached. The EU Commissioner for Enlargement Mr Olli Rehn in a statement on 10.7.2006 said that “the European Commission remains fully committed to supporting the resumption of the talks as soon as possible."

Regarding the essence of the problem, Mr Rehn notes that “the Commission fully shares the view of the two leaders expressed in the set of principles agreed between them that the status quo in Cyprus is unacceptable and that a solution to the Cyprus problem is both desirable and possible and should not be further delayed”.

He also reiterated that the reunification of Cyprus should be based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation and on the political equality of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.

The agreement was also welcomed by the United States of America in a press release issued by its embassy in Cyprus (19.7.2006) and in a statement by the Spokesman of the US State Department Mr Sean McCormack, who expressed the hope that the agreed formula will set the stage for comprehensive negotiations on the Cyprus issue. (11.7.2006)

Moreover, the Russian Foreign Ministry evaluates the recent visit of the U.N. Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs Mr Ibrahim Gambari as productive and expresses the certainty that it will contribute to the resumption of the good offices mission of the UN Secretary General and to the overall negotiation.

In a statement to the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti (14.7.2006), the Spokesman of the Russian Foreign Ministry Mr Michael Kaminin says that “Russia participates actively in the international effort which aims at the settlement of the problem of the divided island” and that “we continue on a permanent basis to examine carefully the situation on the island and around it”.

Meeting between Papadopoulos and Karamanlis

The focus of the meeting in Athens on 10 July 2006 between the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos and the Prime Minister of Greece Mr Constantinos Karamanlis was the evaluation of the achieved 8th July agreement and the future strategy on the Cyprus problem at the European Union as well as at the United Nations.
In his statements, Mr Karamanlis reiterated Greece’s steadfast position that “a new effort for a solution must be carefully prepared without arbitration and pressing deadlines and the achieved solution must be based on the relevant United Nations’ decisions, taking into account the new situation arising from Cyprus' accession to the European Union".

For his part, President Papadopoulos expressed the hope that "this first positive step may be followed by other steps so that we can start with a better preparation for a new round of talks aimed at a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.”

Activation of the American factor

The US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Mr Matthew Bryza made a tour to the triangle Ankara – Athens - Nicosia from 10 .7.2006 to 18.7.2006. In statements at Ankara, the first stop of his tour, he said inter alia that the US will continue its efforts to end the “isolation” of the Turkish Cypriots and noted that Turkey will have to implement the Additional Protocol of the Customs Union. (10.7.2006)

In Athens, Mr Bryza had a meeting with the Deputy Foreign Minister Mr Yiannis Valinakis with whom he discussed the Cyprus issue as well as Euro-Turkish relations and the situation in the Middle East. In his statements, Mr Bryza reiterated the US support for a process under the guidance of the UN Secretary General. “Our policy is to achieve the reunification of the island in a bizonal, bicommunal federation and I underlined that every step the US takes on Cyprus aims to facilitate the reunification” he added. (14.7.2006)

In Nicosia, Mr Bryza had meetings with the President of the House of Representatives Mr Demetris Christofias (17.7.2006), the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Sotos Zackheos, the Director of the Cyprus Problem Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Erato Markoulli, the President of DISYI Mr Nicos Anastasiades and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat (18.10.2006). Due to the absence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Lillikas to Brussels, Mr Bryza extended, at the last minute, his stay in Cyprus and had a meeting with Mr Lillikas on 19.7.2006 at 8.30 am. The statements made by the American official give the stigma of the American policy on the Cyprus issue and can be summed up as follows:

· The US continues to support the United Nations’ efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation
· The process that was agreed with the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Mr Ibrahim Gambari must not be lost
· The US does not desire to punish the Greek Cypriot community for rejecting the Annan Plan
· The aim of the United States of America is the reunification of Cyprus in a process under the auspices of the United Nations. In this framework the US seeks to ease the ”isolation” of the Turkish Cypriots because it believes that it is easier to achieve reunification if the economic inequalities are limited, but always having in mind the reunification.

The Government Spokesman comments on Mr Bryza’s statements

“Mr Bryza’s statements include many positive elements regarding the principles, the basis, and the framework of the solution of the Cyprus problem,” the Government Spokesman Mr Christodoulos Pasiardis stated, stressing at the same time that the Cyprus Government is not willing to take part in the legalization of illegality, if the position which Mr Bryza reiterated about the easing of the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, “is merely a pseudonym of an indirect effort to politically upgrade the pseudostate”. (19.7.2006)

Exchange of the lists of issues of substance

“Following the Agreement between the leaders of the two communities Mr Tassos Papadopoulos and Mr Mehmet Ali Talat, in the presence of the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Mr Ibrahim Gambari, on July 8, the lists of issues concerning the substance of the Cyprus problem were exchanged today. These issues will form the agenda and will be examined at a bicommunal expert group level.” The above is stated in an official press release of the Press and Information Office (31.7.2006), which adds that “the exchange of lists took place this afternoon in the office of the UN Special Representative Mr Michael Moller, at a meeting between the representatives of the two leaders, Mr Tasos Tzionis and Mr Rashit Pertev, in the presence of Mr Moller.”

“In the following days Mr Moller, Mr Tzionis and Mr Pertev will continue their meetings for promoting the implementation of the Agreement, which provides for the setting up of bicommunal working groups of experts for the discussion of issues of substance on the Cyprus Problem as well as the setting up of bicommunal technical committees for the discussion of practical day-to-day issues”, the press release states and concludes: “The Confidence Building Measures will be addressed in parallel, in accordance with the standard practice, by making use of the UNFICYP’s good offices.”

August - UN Security Council calls for implementation of 8 July agreement

The Turkish Cypriot side criticizes Mr Moller

The so-called “Prime Minister” of the pseudostate Mr Ferdi Soyer launched a harsh attack against the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative to Cyprus Mr Michael Moller, accusing him of having a pro-Greek Cypriot attitude and of failing to meet with Turkish Cypriot organized groups, academics and Mass Media representatives.

In statements to Istanbul NTV (10.8.2006), Mr Soyer said that Mr Moller spends all his time in the Government controlled areas of the island, displaying an attitude which ignores the existence of the Turkish Cypriot people, thus creating “suspicions” with his stance.

Immediate response by UNFICYP

Naturally, Mr Soyer’s statements triggered the strong reaction of the United Nations in Cyprus. In a press release (11.8.1006) UNFICYP expressed its surprise and dismay for Mr Soyer’s statements against Mr Michael Moller.

“The United Nations in Cyprus views with dismay and surprise Mr Ferdi Sabit Soyer’s public and factually incorrect criticism of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative to Cyprus” the press release states, adding that “the Secretary-General’s Special Representative maintains and enjoys a wide range of contacts throughout Cyprus, including excellent working and personal relations on both sides.”

”Mr Moller remains fully committed to assisting Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots to reach a just and durable solution to the Cyprus problem,” the press release concludes.

Meetings between Tzionis and Pertev continue

The Representative of the Greek Cypriot community Mr Tasos Tzionis and the Representative of the Turkish Cypriot community Mr Rasit Pertev had nine meetings during August. In a statement after the meeting of the National Council on 22.8.2006, the Government Spokesman Mr Christodoulos Pasiardis referred to the meetings between Tzionis and Pertev and stressed that “there is no deadlock”. “There are, however, some difficulties and maybe some unjustified delays” he said, adding that “the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative to Cyprus Mr Michael Moller, in whose presence the discussions take place, knows very well who and what is responsible for the difficulties and the delays.”

Moreover, the National Council “reiterated the commitment of the Greek Cypriot side to continue to work consistently for the effective implementation of the Agreement of 8 July, without any terms or preconditions.”

UN Security Council calls for implementation of 8 July agreement

The UN Security Council called for full implementation of the 8 July agreement without further delay and urged that “work begin quickly”. In a press statement delivered on 29 August 2006 by the Council President Mr Nana Effah-Apenteng (Ghana), the members of the Security Council expressed their support for the UN Secretary-General’s continued efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

The statement further noted the following: “In this context, they welcome the agreement that was reached on 8 July during the Mission of Under-Secretary-General Ibrahim Gambari to the region. They call for full implementation of the 8 July agreement without further delay, and urge that work begin quickly”.

In statements to the press, the Council President Mr Effah-Apenteng said that “there is still much more to be done and the assessment of the Council is that until we are sure of concrete and tangible progress it would not be advisable to launch full scale negotiations because there are still some differences as to how to tackle the problem.''

European leaders ask Turkey to implement the Ankara Protocol

The leaders of European countries and EU officials have stressed with their statements the clear commitment of Turkey to implement the Ankara Protocol, which demands the lifting of all restrictions for the free movement of goods and the unhindered access of all EU member states, including the Republic of Cyprus, to its ports and airports. More specifically:

· The Foreign Affairs Minister of Finland Mr Erkki Tuomioja, whose country holds the EU Presidency, stated after the informal meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers (2.9.2006) that Turkey must honour its commitment to implement the Protocol extending its customs union with the ten new EU member states. The Finnish Foreign Minister said that if Turkey does not sign the Protocol, there will be a problem created by Turkey itself and not by the EU.

· The Prime Minister of Denmark, Mr. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, while in Cyprus for an official visit (4-6.9.2006) sent a clear message to Turkey for the full implementation of the Protocol, noting that “non compliance with this may have severe consequences with regard to the opening of negotiations on a certain number of chapters.”

· The Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Bernard Bot made a similar statement after a meeting with his Cypriot counterpart Mr Yiorgos Lillikas in Nicosia (6.9.2006). “If Turkey wishes to continue its EU accession negotiations, it must normalize its relations with the Republic of Cyprus”, Mr Mod emphatically stressed.

· The French Interior Minister Mr Nicholas Sarkozyin, in statements he made in Brussels, went a step further than the other European officials and called for the suspension of EU membership talks with Turkey while Ankara persists with its embargo against Cypriot ships and aircraft using its ports and airports, adding that Turkey has no place in the European Union”. (8.9.2006)

· “Cyprus is a member state of the EU and Turkey needs to understand that it has to guarantee the access of Cypriot ships into Turkish ports”, the President of the European Commission, Mr Jose Manuel Barroso stated in an interview to the European TV station EuroNews.(21.9.2006)

· The European Parliament also sent a strong message to Turkey for its EU accession course, by adopting the Report of the Dutch Member of the European Parliament Mr Camiel Eurlings (27.9.2006). Regarding Turkey’s relations with Cyprus, the European Parliament, through the Eurlings Report, expressed its disappointment over the restrictions imposed by Turkey against Cyprus vessels and planes. The European Parliament “urged Turkey to fully implement the provisions stemming from the Association Agreement and its Additional Protocol as well as the priorities stemming from the Accession Partnership”..


The Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Talat visited Pakistan

The Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat paid an “official” visit to Pakistan, where he had contacts with the President of the country, the Speaker of the Parliament and members of the government. The visit was given a broad publicity by the Turkish Cypriot and the Turkish press, according to which Mr Talat was received, for the first time, as “president” of the pseudostate and not as a “leader” (4.9.2006). The Cyprus Government made the necessary representations concerning the issue of Mr Talat’s visit to Pakistan, the Government Spokesman Mr Christodoulos Pasiardis stated and stressed that the Government had “assurances from Pakistan that their policy on the issue of non-recognition of the pseudostate has not changed”.


Mr Moller becomes active for the implementation of the 8th July 2006 agreement

“The UN Secretary General's Special Representative to Cyprus Mr Michael Moller has given the two sides on the island ideas and thoughts on how to move forward the July 8 agreement and not a package of proposals,” the Government Spokesman Mr Christodoulos Pasiardis stated, adding that the Greek Cypriot side was assessing these thoughts. “The United Nations are well aware which side is responsible for the absence, so far, of any substantial progress at the meetings of the representatives of the leaders of the two communities,” Mr Pasiardis stressed. (14.9.2006)


Meeting between Annan and Papadopoulos

The President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos and the UN Secretary General Mr Kofi Annan reviewed, during their half an hour meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, the developments in the Cyprus problem. (19.9.2006)

The President of the Republic said he agreed completely with what Mr Annan had said to him, that “there is no question of full-fledged talks to start unless there is a proper and correct in depth preparation on issues of substance, which is the object of the discussions. The Secretary General was categorical about this.”


Meetings of Erdogan with Bush and Blair

The Turkish Prime Minister Tayip Erdogan had a rather long meeting (one hour and forty five minutes) at the White House with the US President Mr George Bush. The meeting focused on Euro -Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem, while the Kurdish issue was an integral part of the discussions. Mr Erdogan described the meeting as very positive stressing that he “left from the meeting with more hopes”. (CNA, 2.10.2006)

The next day, 3.10.2006, the Turkish Prime Minister had a meeting in London with Britain’s Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair. According to a press release issued by Mr Blair’s office, Britain remains a firm supporter of Turkey’s accession to the European Union. Replying to a question by a journalist on whether the Cyprus problem was also discussed, the Spokesman of the Prime Minister’s office referred the journalist to the official press release, which notes that the two Prime Ministers discussed “a number of international issues.”


Tour by Lillikas to European countries

The Foreign Minister Mr Yiorgos Lillikas paid a visit to four European countries - Norway, Slovakia, Austria, and France - during which he briefed his counterparts on Cyprus’ positions on the Cyprus problem and the prospects of Turkey’s EU accession, in view of the Progress Report on Turkey by the European Commission on 8.11.2006.

Norway

On 3.10.2006, Mr Lillikas had a meeting with his Norwegian counterpart Mr Jonas Gahr Stohre, with whom he discussed the Cyprus problem, Turkey’s EU accession course, developments in the Middle East and other international issues.

Slovakia

In Slovakia, the second stop of his tour, Mr Lillikas had a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Slovakia Mr Jan Kubis, who stated that his country supports Turkey’s accession prospect, but also expects the implementation of its obligations towards the EU, which he described as a matter of principle. (6.10.2006)

Mr Kubis also stated that he had expressed his country’s position at a recent meeting with his Turkish counterpart.

Finally, he said that the Cyprus issue was also discussed and stressed that the Slovak government fully shares the positions and the aims of the Republic of Cyprus.

Austria

Particularly clear in her positions, was the Austrian Foreign Minister Mrs Ursula Plassnik, who sent a clear message to Turkey that it will not be granted any discounts to the obligations it has undertaken towards the European Union. In statements after her meeting with her Cypriot counterpart Mr Yiorgos Lillikas in Vienna, she reminded that on the 21st of September 2005, the EU had clearly stressed that it expects Turkey to make specific moves in 2006, as well as implement the Ankara Protocol, on which its obligations are perfectly clear. (18.10.2006)

France

Mr Lillikas’ meeting in Paris with the French Minister for European Affairs Ms Catherine Colonna, focused on the current developments in the Cyprus problem, the Finnish EU Presidency’s proposals and EU -Turkish relations.


Meeting of the National Council

On 3.10.2006 there was a meeting of the National Council during which the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos briefed the members of the Council on the efforts made so far for the implementation of the 8th July Agreement, as well as on the course of the Euro-Turkish relations. The President of the Republic also briefed the members of the National Council on the meetings he had at the United Nations headquarters and the members of the Council expressed their views and evaluations. In statements after the National Council meeting, the Government Spokesman Mr Christodoulos Pasiardis stressed that the efforts to implement the 8 July Agreement in the process of finding a solution to the Cyprus problem continue, despite the fact that there had been no meetings for several days between the representatives of the leaders of the two communities. “The deliberations continue trough the United Nations” he added.


President Papadopoulos participates in the Informal European Council

The President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos participated in the informal meeting of Heads of State or Government, summoned by the Finnish Presidency of the European Union in Helsinki on 19. 10.2006. On the sidelines of the European Council meeting, President Papadopoulos had a meeting with the Greek Prime Minister Mr Constantinos Karamanlis, with whom he discussed the recent developments in the Cyprus problem and Turkey’s EU accession course.

In his statements before his departure, President Papadopoulos said that the Finnish EU Presidency is trying to help Turkey implement the Ankara Protocol, but the Cyprus Republic cannot be called on to pay the price of that help.


Talat’s contacts in Brussels

The Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat held meetings in Brussels on 9 – 11 October 2006 with the European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Parliament Josep Borrell, the Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn and the EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) Javier Solana. Mr Talat’s contacts coincided with the Finnish Presidency’s efforts to come up with a new proposal on the Cyprus problem. According to the Turkish Press, Mr Talat asked for the lifting of the so-called isolation of Turkish Cypriots and the approval of the regulation on direct trade.


Irish President holds official visit to Cyprus

The President of Ireland Ms Mary MacAleese paid a two-day official visit to Cyprus, on 9 – 10 October, during which she met with President Papadopoulos and attended talks between delegations from the two countries. In statements to the press, Ms MacAleese expressed her country’s support for the resumption of a Cyprus peace process, on the basis of the 8 July Agreement and under the aegis of the United Nations, which would lead to a comprehensive settlement of the problem. Turkey must move towards the gradual normalisation of relations with Cyprus if it wishes to accede to the European Union, she added, noting at the same time that Ankara has a significant role to play in Europe and a long and arduous reform process to follow internally.


Official visit by Estonian Prime Minister to Cyprus

The Cyprus problem, Turkey’s accession negotiations, EU matters and bilateral relations were on the agenda for discussion during talks between the Prime Minister of Estonia Mr Andrus Ansip and President Papadopoulos. Making particular reference to Turkey’s European perspective, Mr Ansip underlined that “it is unbelievable for some member states not to recognise other member states inside the Union” and added that all EU member states should fulfil all criteria and should recognise each other. “Turkey must open its ports to Cyprus as well”, he further stressed. The Estonian Premier held a two-day visit to Cyprus on 24 – 25 October 2006.


Finnish Presidency proposal for a meeting in Helsinki is cancelled

The Finnish Presidency of the EU, acting in the framework of its efforts to avoid a crisis in Euro-Turkish relations called on 6 November 2006 in Helsinki, an informal meeting between the European Commission, the EU Presidency, the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey, with the participation of the Turkish Cypriot community. Turkey refused to participate because Greece had not been invited and as a result the meeting was cancelled.


European Commission’s Progress Report on Turkey

On 8 November 2006, the European Commission’s Progress Report on Turkey was publicized, which calls on Turkey, inter alia, to open until mid-December its ports to Cyprus vessels or face the consequences on its EU membership talks. It also demands that Turkey takes concrete steps to normalize its bilateral relations with all Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus, as soon as possible.

The report also states that Turkey continues to refuse access to Cypriot vessels to its ports and notes that such restrictions constitute an obstacle to the free movement of goods and trade, thus violating the Customs Union Agreement. The Commission also notes that such restrictions continue to exist on air transport.


President Papadopoulos: Turkey must comply

The President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos stated that accession to the EU is not an “a la carte menu”, so if Turkey really wants to accede to the EU it has to comply with the European Acquis or not to accede at all. Speaking at a press conference in Rome, President Papadopoulos said: “we have supported Turkey’s candidacy for accession to the EU on an important condition that Turkey, just as any other candidate country, must comply with the European Acquis and fulfil its obligations towards the EU and the Republic of Cyprus”.


Letter by Gambari to the leaders of the two communities – reactions

The UN Under-Secretary General for Political Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Gambari, has sent a letter to the leaders of the two communities with the aim to accelerate efforts to promote the implementation of the 8 July 2006 Agreement. Both sides replied positively to Mr Gambari’s letter.

On behalf of the Greek Cypriot side, the Government Spokesman Mr Christodoulos Pasiardis said that “a reply has already been sent to Mr Gambari's suggestions, without any observations or comments.” “Consequently, our effort was and remains the full implementation of the 8 July Agreement, without terms and conditions,” he stressed. (17.11.2006)

On behalf of the Turkish Cypriot side, the Spokesman of the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Hasan Ercakica stated that the Turkish Cypriot side responded positively to Mr Gambari’s letter, since it desires the resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive solution, as soon as possible.

Statements by Kofi Annan

The UN Secretary General Mr Kofi Annan stated that he has urged both parties in Cyprus to work very closely with his Special Representative in Nicosia, Michael Moller, and to prove in action that they are ready to re-engage to the talks aimed at reaching a settlement of the Cyprus problem. In statements during a joint press conference he held with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat at the UN offices in Geneva on 20th November 2006, Mr Annan also stated the following: “We discussed the measures that both parties are to take with my representative, Michael Moller, on the island, to ensure that the parties prepare effectively, not only as confidence building measures, but as a step towards full resumption of negotiations aimed at settling the Cyprus issue”.


Discussions in Tampere end in a deadlock

The Finnish EU Presidency repeated its initiative in order to avert a crisis in the relations between the EU and Turkey by carrying out consultations in Tampere with the interested parties which, nevertheless, ended in a deadlock. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland Mr Erkki Tuomioja announced the failure of the initiative after separate meetings with the Cyprus Foreign Minister Mr Yiorgos Lillikas and his Turkish counterpart Mr A. Gul. Mr Tuomioja said that “no agreement was reached”, adding that “at this stage circumstances do not permit that an agreement could be reached that would enable the uninterrupted continuation of Turkey's accession process.” (27.11.2006)


EU recommends the freezing of 8 Chapters of Turkey’s accession negotiations

The European Commission decided on 29 November to recommend to the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council the freezing of eight chapters of Turkey's accession negotiations that are related to the Customs Union, due to Turkey's failure to implement the Ankara Protocol.

EU recommendations are not satisfactory

The Cyprus National Council described the European Commission's recommendations on Turkey's EU course as “not satisfactory.” The Government Spokesman Mr Christodoulos Pasiardis stated after the meeting of the National Council on 2 December 2006, that “the members of the National Council submitted their views and suggestions and unilaterally declared their assessment that the recommendations of the European Commission are not satisfactory.”

Mr Pasiardis noted that “the members of the National Council agreed that every effort should be made so that a framework would be included in the final Conclusions to ensure Turkey’s effective compliance with its European obligations.”

Decision by the EU Foreign Ministers for the partial freezing of Turkey’s accession negotiations

The EU Foreign Ministers agreed on 11 December 2006 on the partial freezing of Turkey's EU accession negotiations as a sanction for Turkey’s refusal to open its ports and airports to Cyprus vessels and airplanes. More specifically, the proposal of the “25” provided for the freezing of eight out of 35 chapters, which were considered to have been directly related to Customs Union and to Turkey’s non compliance with its commitments. These chapters were: Financial Services, Agriculture and Rural Development, Fisheries, Transport, Customs Union, External Relations, Free Movement of Goods, and Freedom to Provide Service.
The unanimous decision of the EU Council of Foreign Ministers also provided that in the framework of the annual European Commission’s progress report, the Council would assess the implementation of Turkey’s commitments.

Nicosia is satisfied with the conclusions of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council

The Cyprus Government through its Spokesman Mr Christodoulos Pasiardis expressed its satisfaction with the unanimous conclusions of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council. “We are not overjoyed with this outcome. But at the same time we do not underestimate its importance,” Mr Pasiardis stated. “The conclusions of the Council”, he stressed, “meet to a great extent the basic goals we had set, they freeze eight chapters of the accession negotiations of Turkey, disassociate the Cyprus problem from Turkey’s accession course, provide for the reassessment of the progress towards the fulfillment of Ankara’s obligations towards the Republic of Cyprus and provide that no chapter closes until the Commission verifies the implementation of Turkey’s commitments, related to the Additional Protocol.” (12.12.2006)

EU summit – negative provisions in the EU report were averted

President Papadopoulos described the conclusions of the EU Summit in Brussels, as satisfactory, adding that the recommendations proposed by the European Commission on 29 November included provisions which would have had a negative effect on the developments of the Cyprus issue in relation to Turkey. More specifically, the President used as an example the coupling of Ankara’s EU obligations with the developments of the Cyprus problem, the setting of timeframes and many other issues. “With the understanding shown by our EU partners, the negative provisions were averted and a text was also adopted that satisfies us”, he said. (15.12.2006)

Direct trade Regulation

The President of the Republic, speaking to the press upon his arrival from Brussels where he had attended a European Council meeting, said the EU would like to see work done on the handling of goods produced in the areas of Cyprus not controlled by the Government and he dismissed press information that there was an agreement on the use of specific ports. President Papadopoulos said the Government had requested from the German Presidency of the EU, scheduled to assume its duties on 1 January 2007, to continue the discussions held under the outgoing Finnish Presidency concerning the transport of products from the occupied areas through Cypriot legal ports. (15.12.2006)

Security Council adopts resolution renewing UNFICYP mandate

The UN Security Council unanimously adopted on 15 December Resolution 1728 renewing for a further six-month period the mandate of the UN Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). In the resolution text, the Security Council underlines the need to implement the agreement of 8 July without further delay and expresses the hope that the recent positive reaction of the leaders of the two communities to the UN Secretary-General’s suggestions would result in the “finalisation of the preparatory phase as soon as possible in order to prepare the ground for fully-fledged negotiations leading to a comprehensive and durable settlement.''

Kofi Annan refers to Cyprus problem during last press conference as UNSG

Outgoing UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed certainty that his successor would proceed along the same lines regarding the preparation of the ground for resuming talks on the Cyprus problem. Speaking during his farewell news conference at UN Headquarters on 19 December, Mr Annan said the UN was still engaged with the parties involved and noted that his Special Representative in Cyprus Michael Moller ''is working with them to build confidence.''
''We have certain specific activities that the two of them are engaged in and I have indicated to them at the appropriate time when we believe the time is right we will name a full time negotiator, mediator to work with them,'' he added.

Kofi Annan stressed that it was important to find a way to resolve the Cyprus issue, adding that “it is not an issue that affects only the two communities or Turkey and Greece, as today it has also become a European problem and it is something that we need to resolve as quickly as we can.'' ''I hope the UN will preside to deal with it'', he concluded.

Message by President Papadopoulos on the occasion of the New Year 2007

President Papadopoulos reiterated his commitment to the solution of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, through a peaceful dialogue, within the framework and under the auspices of the United Nations and in conformity with the fundamental principles of the European Union – which should have a say and play a more active role in the type of a settlement. In his New Year message to the people of Cyprus, the President stressed that no one had the right to claim that his side did not want a solution and noted: “All our efforts and our policy are oriented to this goal. We are the ones who first and foremost desire a solution, as it is we who suffer the negative consequences from the absence of a solution”.

He also stated that any attempts for political upgrading of the pseudo-state and the monotonous slogans for the lifting of the so-called isolation of Turkish Cypriots, were not conducive to a solution of the Cyprus problem and did not contribute to the end of the Cyprus tragedy.


Talat announces intention to demolish Ledra street bridge

The T/C leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat announced his intention to demolish the Ledra street footbridge that had been illegally erected by the occupation regime. This decision triggered the reaction of the military leadership, which had not been informed or asked for its consent beforehand by Mr Talat.


The Greek Cypriot side reacts

Replying to Mr Talat’s announcement for the demolition of the Ledra street footbridge, the President of the Republic Mr Papadopoulos reminded that the Government had submitted to the UN, in December 2005 and later on in July 2006, specific proposals for the opening of Ledra street. Specifically the following conditions must be met:

· Withdrawal and disengagement of military troops from the area
· Removal of mines and other dangerous substances
· Removal of symbols of the pseudo-state
· Restoration of buildings on both sides

Our side is ready, once the aforementioned conditions for the secure movement of people along the Ledra street checkpoint are fulfilled, to demolish the wall that exists there within 24 hours, President Papadopoulos asserted. (6.1.2007)

On the same issue, President Papadopoulos, speaking to foreign correspondents at a lunch hosted by the Cyprus News Agency on 16 January 2007, revealed that the proposals of the G/C side in December 2005 provided for two alternative suggestions: “first, the troops in the vicinity to be withdrawn by both sides and the area to be turned over to UN control, or total demilitarization of the walled city of Nicosia and the policing of the area to be turned over to the police and UNFICYP”.

Furthermore, the Government Spokesman Mr Chr. Pasiardis underlined that the removal of the illegal footbridge could not in any way be considered as an impressive concession and retreat of the Turkish side, to which our side is obliged to respond by offering something in exchange. (9.1.2007)

Talat in Ankara to get consent of military

The T/C leader Mr Talat travelled to Ankara for talks with the Turkish leadership regarding the demolition of the footbridge. Mr Talat, accompanied by the Turkish Foreign Minister Mr Gul, had a meeting on 5.1.2007 with the Turkish Chief of the General Staff, General Yasar Buyukanit. In statements after that meeting, Mr Talat said the issue of Ledra Street had not been discussed, while General Buyukanit claimed exactly the opposite. (Milliyiet 6.1.2007) According to the paper, after the refute a statement was made by the so-called presidential spokesman Hasan Ercakύca, who said Mr Talat had made the statement “in order not to harm the image of unity between Turkey and the ‘TRNC’”.

Specifically, General Buyukanit said the passage from the occupied to the free areas at Ledra Street (Lokmaci) was under the control of the Turkish armed forces, in accordance with the “constitution” of the pseudostate. The General Staff released a statement on the issue, noting, inter alia, that Mr Talat was informed about the army’s views regarding the passage at Ledra street in Nicosia. (Anatolia news agency 6.1.2007)


T/C media report on Talat-Buyukanit meeting

The T/C newspapers (6-7.1.2007) ran stories on their front pages about the disagreement between Talat and the Turkish General Staff on the Ledra street issue. Some distinctive titles appear below:

“Afrika” “We became rascals. The bridge stays, there is no resignation”
“Afrika” “The Turkish General Staff decides on Lokmaci”
“Afrika” “Hawks win for bridge”
“Dusunce” “The Lokmaci Gate at the General Staff”
“Kibris” “We are responsible” (note: the military)
“Halkin Sesi” “The bridge brought Talat and General Staff face-to-face”
“Kibrisli” “A scent of deep state at Lokmaci”

The work to dismantle the footbridge at Ledra street finally began in the morning of 9th January 2007 and was completed on the same day. The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that the issue concerned the pseudostate. (Milliyet 9.1.2007)


Mustafa Akinci: the “TRNC” is governed by the Turkish establishment

The leader of the Peace and Democracy Movement, Mustafa Akinci, talked straight from the shoulder and without beating about the bush regarding the role of the Turkish army in the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus. In an interview to the Turkish newspaper “Radikal” on 15.1.07, he noted, inter alia, that the “TRNC” is governed by Turkey and its military establishment. Specifically Mr Akinci said that the “TRNC” is a “state” only by name and only for Turkey and added that the “number of Turkish Cypriots in the “TRNC” is diminishing every passing day,” while on the other hand “the number of people coming from Turkey is increasing”. Asked who governs the “TRNC”, Mr Akinci replied: “On the paper the “TRNC” is independent - Turkey governs the “TRNC” with military-civilian bureaucracy. It has always been like this.” “As a matter of fact, it emerged that even the president of this state, was unable to remove a footbridge in his country’s capital without taking permission” he said, and added: “Anyway, in the North Cyprus, the Turkish Foreign Ministry bureaucracy together with the Army are very dominant.”


Greek Cypriot citizens ask for the opening of Ledra Street

A team of Greek Cypriots calling themselves “Citizens for the opening of Ledra Street” visited on 11.01.007 the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat and discussed with him the issue of the opening of Ledra Street. No statements were made after the meeting.

With the motto “stop the segregation, so that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can move freely in their city and in their homeland, an gathering took place on 13.1.2007 in front of the Ledra street guarding post. In the event, which was organized by the Committee for the opening of Ledra street, the Alliance “Stop the War - Cyprus”, the Pancyprian Committee for the opening of check points, and the Committee for the opening of the Kokkina, Pyrgos and Limnitis check points, participated. The gathering begun at Eleftheria Square and ended at the Ledra Street guarding post.


Meeting between Tzionis and Pertev

The UN Secretary-General's Special Representative in Cyprus Mr Michael Moller hosted, at the UNFICYP offices in Nicosia, the first meeting in 2007 between the principal aides of the leaders of the two communities Tzionis and Pertev, aimed at the implementation of the agreement signed on 8th July between the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.


Speech by President Papadopoulos to the foreign correspondents

The President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos outlined the Cyprus Government’s policy on the Cyprus problem in his speech at a lunch hosted by the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) in honour of the foreign media representatives in Cyprus. This policy, compared with the Turkish positions, can be outlined as follows:

· Talat - Papadopoulos Meeting: there cannot be a meeting without the proper preparation, because the dialogue without such preparation will reaffirm the deadlock.
· 8th July Agreement: the Turkish Cypriot side wants the creation of two legally separate entities, the upgrading of its entity but not diplomatic recognition, while we want a solution that will lead to the reunification of the state, the country, the society, the economy and the institutions.
· Security Council: from now on, all the five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council will be equally involved in the efforts of finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.
· Annan Plan: there is no question of bringing back the Annan Plan, the philosophy of which he does not reject, while noting that no United Nations’ document disappears, but remains in the “background”.
· Turkey’s European course: Cyprus and Greece are the two countries which sincerely support Turkey’s European course, provided that Ankara responds to its European responsibilities. Any interruption of Turkey’s accession course would be a negative development for Cyprus.
· The so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots: it is not an economic issue but a political one. On the issue of the illegal Tymbou airport in the Turkish occupied area, there is no question of discussing its operation.


Talat’s threats on the oil issue – immediate reaction by the Government

“The signing of agreements with any country on any issue is the inalienable right of the legal Government of the Republic of Cyprus”, the Government Spokesman Mr Christodoulos Pasiardis stressed and noted that “the exercise of this right is not subject to the approval of either the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat or Ankara.”

Invited to comment on the statements by Mr Talat and by Ankara on the need to jointly administrate the oil deposits in the area of Cyprus, otherwise a hot situation will arise, Mr Pasiardis described Mr Talat’s threats regarding the creation of a hot situation, “as amusing and impulsive reactions, unworthy of any attention or comment.” (26.1.2007)


Granting of licences for oil exploration to foreign companies

The procedure for the research and possible exploitation of hydrocarbon deposits in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone began officially on 15th February 2007.

The opening of the 1st Licensing Round Offshore Cyprus for the grant of hydrocarbon exploration and development licences took place at a central hotel in Nicosia, in the presence of the Egyptian Minister of Petroleum Mr Amin Fahmi, foreign ambassadors, foreign experts, state officials, leaders or representatives of the political parties and other interested individuals.

Turkey reacted to the Cyprus Government’s decision to make agreements with Egypt and Lebanon for the exploration of oil and natural gas deposits by announcing its own decision to conduct oil exploration in the Mediterranean. In a written statement, the Spokesman of the Turkish Foreign Ministry
Levent Bilman called on Cyprus to put an end to the efforts for opening international tenders on oil and natural gas exploration, adding that Turkey has forwarded its views on the issue to international organizations and all the countries concerned. (15.2.2007)

The Government Spokesman Mr Christodoulos Pasiardis condemned the above decision in a statement on 14.2.2007.
Moreover, the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos underlined that the Cyprus Government exercises, in relation to the oil issue, “its sovereign rights according to International Law and the practice followed in these cases”, and noted that “the oil issue is completely separate from the solution of the Cyprus problem”. (11.2.2007)


President Papadopoulos meets with the Greek Prime Minister

The Cyprus issue, the developments in the EU and the oil issue were at the centre of the talks between the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos and the Prime Minister of Greece Mr Constantinos Karamanlis, which took place in Athens where President Papadopoulos paid a two day working visit (20.2-22.2.2007).

In his statements, Mr Karamanlis said that the Greek side remains dedicated to the achievement of a comprehensive, just, and viable solution based on the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the European values and principles, so that the last wall that divides Europe can fall and the benefits from the accession to the European Union can be extended to the whole island. “We hope that Turkey will show the necessary political will, so that the whole process will quickly move forward,” he added.

The Cyprus Government demolishes the Ledra street wall

The Government, in an extremely sudden move, demolished late on the night of 8 March 2007, the wall in Ledra street. The work started at 11.10 at night and was completed early the next morning. In a statement, the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos said that the demolition of the wall at the end of Ledra street was a wilful unilateral decision by the Cyprus Government. Moreover, the Government Spokesman Mr Christodoulos Pasiardis in a written statement (9.3.2007) underlined that the removal of the wall does not mean that all the obstacles regarding the opening of Ledra street have automatically been removed. “It is now up to the Turkish occupying forces as well as the Turkish side to co-operate in order to lift all those substantial obstacles, so that Ledra street can be used by the citizens of the Republic of Cyprus,” he added.

The international community welcomes the Government’s move

International organizations and foreign governments welcomed the decision of the Cyprus government to demolish the wall in Ledra street, while a wide publicity was given by the printed and electronic international mass media. Specifically, the decision was welcomed either with statements or press releases by the United Nations, through its Permanent Representative to Cyprus Mr Moller, the European Union through a statement of the EU Enlargement Commissioner Mr Olli Rehn, the Council of Europe through a statement by the President of the Council Mr Rene van der Linden, the United states of America, Britain, Russia, Spain, and Australia.

New support measures for the Turkish Cypriots

The Cyprus Government submitted, on 31.3.2007, new proposals for the financial support of the Turkish Cypriots, aimed at assisting the reunification of Cyprus, to the German EU Presidency as well as to the European Commission. The proposals were submitted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Yiorgos Lillikas in the framework of the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, which took place in Bremen, Germany. In his statements, Mr Lillikas said that the new package of measures was a continuation of the measures that the Cyprus Government had unilaterally implemented three years before, for the financial support of the Turkish Cypriots. The new measures concern the civil society level, the business level, and the level of economic exchanges and collaborations.

Regarding the new measures, the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos stated that the Republic of Cyprus works constantly to achieve the closest cooperation with the Turkish Cypriots, contributing to their economic growth, but always bearing in mind that all measures aim at the financial integration and the reunification of Cyprus and its economy. He also expressed the conviction that as time passes more foreigners understand that what Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots are saying about the so- called economic isolation, “is a myth, which only aims at upgrading the occupation regime. “(1.4.2007)

The Turkish Cypriot side abandons the 8th July Agreement

The Turkish Cypriot side struck the final blow to the process of the 8th July Agreement with a letter dated 3.4.2007, sent by the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to the United Nations Secretary General Mr Ban Ki-Moon, which according to the Turkish Cypriot press (11.4.2007) “expresses the views and worries of the Turkish Cypriot side regarding the 8th July Agreement” and reiterates “the commitment of the Turkish Cypriot side to reaching a comprehensive solution on the basis of the Annan Plan, accepting a timetable and a mediation by the UN. Moreover, in a statement in Constantinople (13.4. 2007), Mr Talat said that the main aim of the Turkish Cypriot side is not the revitalization of the 8th July Agreement, but the resumption of overall negotiations on the Cyprus problem. This letter was sent 7 days after the statement of the President of the UN Security Council, which called upon the two sides “to implement the 8th July Agreement.” (27.3.2007)

In a statement, the Government Spokesman Mr Christodoulos Pasiardis restricted himself to just saying that, “judging by the facts so far, the Turkish side is not very thrilled about the 8th July Agreement.” (4.4.2007)

National Council expresses unanimous commitment to 8 July Agreement

The National Council convened on 12 April 2007. Speaking after the Council meeting, the Government Spokesman Mr Pasiardis said President Papadopoulos had informed the members on the content of the letter of Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to the UN Secretary-General and expressed his evaluations on the prospects for the implementation of the 8th July Agreement and generally on the present situation regarding the Cyprus problem. ”The Members of the National Council expressed their positions and views”, the Spokesman further said, adding that “the President of the Republic and the Members of the National Council are unanimous on the view that the procedure provided by the 8th July Agreement and the Gambari letter, is the only course to get out of today’s deadlock and to promote an agreed solution on the Cyprus issue”.

Spanish Foreign Minister in favour of the agreement

The Spanish Foreign Minister Mr Miguel Anjel Moratinos said he would point out to his Turkish counterpart, at their next meeting, the need to implement the Agreement of 8 July. Speaking to reporters during his one-day official visit to Cyprus, on 30.4.2007, the Spanish FM praised the Cyprus Government’s efforts regarding Ledra Street and the Agreement of 8 July, noting that “Spain has always been supportive in all the positive efforts of the Cyprus Authorities”. Asked whether he would raise the issue of promoting the implementation of the 8 July Agreement during his next meeting with Turkish officials, given the good relations between Spain and Turkey, Mr Moratinos replied: “Yes of course”.

The European Commission approves the trade of honey and fish

The European Commission approved on 4 May, the movement of and trade in two animal products, namely honey and fish, across the Green Line. This concerns an amendment of the Green Line Regulation, which extends the trade in these two animal products, subject to the provisions of the EU Food Law rules.

The President of Austria stresses that the solution of the Cyprus problem is of the greatest significance

The Federal President of Austria Mr Heinz Fischer expressed the readiness of Austria “to contribute to the process for the solution of the Cyprus problem, whenever its help is needed and deemed useful by the two communities.” Speaking, on 11 May, during his official visit to Cyprus, Mr Fischer said that the solution of the Cyprus problem is of the greatest significance not only for Cyprus, but also for the European Union and the international community at large and expressed the confidence, that despite all difficulties, the reunification of the island in a bizonal and bicommunal federal state will be possible through a solution negotiated under the UN umbrella, on the basis of international law and the principles of the EU.

The Government proposes measures for economic cooperation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots

The Government presented on 21st May measures, which aim to improve the conditions of economic development and cooperation between the Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, in a way which would help economic integration and the general effort for the reunification of Cyprus. The Minister of Finance Mr Michalis Sarris and the Director of the Diplomatic Office of the President Mr Tassos Tzionis, presenting the measures at a press conference, stated that these concern two plans which are part of an overall package of measures. The first plan concerns an assistance plan for the setting up of small joint ventures between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots with grants totaling seven million euros and the second concerns an assistance plan for upgrading the technology of joint ventures between Greek and Turkish Cypriots and the development of trade and manufacture of agricultural products, with grants totaling twenty seven million euros. Both Mr Sarris and Mr Tzionis expressed the hope that the Turkish Cypriots will respond and benefit from these measures.

Mr Tzionis rejected claims that that Turkish Cypriots are “isolated” and that there is an “economic war” between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots. He stressed that the Turkish Cypriots have fallen into a “self-isolation” due to the policy of the Turkish Cypriot leadership and underlined that the Turkish Cypriots must take their decision to cooperate with the Greek Cypriots.

German Parliament resolution – reactions by the Government

The German Federal Parliament approved, on 24 May, a resolution calling on the German Government to undertake an initiative, before the end of its term as EU President, promoting the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem and the adoption of a Regulation for direct trade between the EU and the occupied areas.

Commenting on the resolution, the Government Spokesman Mr Vassilis Palmas said it contained both negative and positive points, expressing the view that it would not be adopted by the German Government. The most “negative aspect” of the resolution regarded the lift of the so-called isolation of Turkish Cypriots, Mr Palmas noted, adding that “needless to say, we disagree with this”. He also referred to the “positive points” of the resolution, such as the provision for a gradual withdrawal of Turkish troops stationed in the occupied areas. The resolution, he underlined, does not question the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.

UN Security Council resolution 1758: the status quo is unacceptable

The UN Security Council unanimously approved resolution 1758 (15.6.2007) for the renewal of the mandate of the UN Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for a further six-month period, until 15th December 2007. In the resolution, the UN Security Council reaffirms that the status quo is unacceptable, that time is not on the side of a settlement, and that negotiations on a final political solution to the Cyprus problem have been at an impasse for too long. The Council expresses full support for the 8 July agreement, notes with concern the lack of progress and calls upon all parties to immediately engage constructively with the United Nations efforts to demonstrate measurable progress and to cease mutual recriminations.

The Government’s satisfaction on the adoption of resolution 1758 was expressed by the Government Spokesman Mr Vassilis Palmas, who reaffirmed the steadfast commitment and readiness of the Government to fully implement the 8 July Agreement.

Turkish National Security Council examines the Cyprus problem

The Turkish National Security Council discussed (18.6.2007) the recent developments in the Cyprus problem and examined measures to eliminate the so called “isolation” of the illegal regime of the occupied areas, in the international region. The Turkish National Security Council also referred to the Cyprus Government’s initiatives in the Middle East region and called the Cyprus Government “a factor of instability in the region”.

Government responds to Turkish National Council

Responding to the statements of the Turkish National Security Council, on behalf of the Cyprus Government, the Foreign Minister Mr Lillikas said, on 21.6.2007, that Turkey constituted “a serious destabilising factor in the Middle East region”, something that became evident by its behaviour not just towards Cyprus but also towards all its neighbouring states, as it was the only country with serious political problems with all its neighbours. Mr Lillikas added that “regardless of Turkey’s stance, Cyprus will proceed with the policy and strategy it has formed and it will exercise – as it has an absolute right – its sovereign rights through the international competition for attaining licenses for the exploitation of oil reserves, which we hope will exist in Cyprus’ coastal areas”.

President Papadopoulos proposes a meeting with Mr Talat

The President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos sent two letters to the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Talat around the end of June 2007. In his letters, President Papadopoulos proposed two meetings, one to promote the implementation of the 8th July Agreement and the other on the issue of the missing persons, in the presence of the tripartite Committee on Missing Persons (CMP). In his statements, the Government Spokesman Mr Vassilis Palmas clarified that the meeting had nothing to do with publicity purposes, noting that an effort had been made to keep the letters out of the limelight. (7.7.2007)

Talat’s initial “yes” for a meeting with President Papadopoulos becomes a “no”

The reply of the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to President Papadopoulos’ proposal for a meeting to discuss the 8th July Agreement was positive. Speaking at a press conference, Mr Talat said that the problems that arose from the 8th July procedure should be handled on the level of the leaders of the two communities and the meetings between them should become continuous. (Illegal Bayrak television 10.07.07)

For his part, President Papadopoulos, in his statement (10.07.2007) described Mr Talat’s positive reply as encouraging. However, two days after the above statement by Mr Talat, the adviser of the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Rasit Pertev, in a statement to the news agency Reuters (12.07.2007), said that “the meeting would not take place, due to the cancellation of the football match between the Turkish Cypriot team Centikaya and the British team Luton, following actions by the Greek Cypriot side”.

It should be noted that the Turkish Cypriot “United Cyprus Party” (BKP) announced that the cancellation of the meeting between Papadopoulos and Talat was due to the elections in Turkey.

In a written statement, the member of the Central Committee of the party Mr Abdullah Korkmazhan said that the football match between Centikaya and Luton was an excuse for the cancellation of the meeting between Papadopoulos and Talat, noting that the real reason was the elections in Turkey. “Mr Talat postponed the meeting because Ankara did not approve of the start of negotiations before the elections in Turkey,” he said. (17.07.2007)


Turkish elections - Erdogan triumphs - Comment by President Papadopoulos

The Justice and Development Party was triumphant in the Turkish parliamentary elections, which took place on 22 July 2007, securing 47% of the votes, thus enabling the Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan to form a one party government.

Invited to comment on the outcome of the Turkish elections, the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos stated: “We believe it is premature and irresponsible to draw any conclusions at this early stage, as regards the instability in political developments in Turkey”.
The Cyprus problem will not be resolved by the Greek Cypriot side without Turkey’s good will and willingness, Mr Papadopoulos added, expressing hope that the desire for democratization of that country and for normalisation of its EU accession course would have a more positive impact vis-ΰ-vis Turkey’s positions on Cyprus. (23.7.2007)


Foreign Minister Marcoullis: risk of the Cyprus problem being turned into a Kosovo-type issue

The newly-appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs Mrs Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis made reference to the danger of the Cyprus problem being turned into a Kosovo-type of problem in case the 8 July 2006 Agreement would be sidelined. Speaking to chief editors of local media, on 27 July 2007, Mrs Marcoullis noted that the sole existing prospect for the resumption of a substantive dialogue for the resolution of the Cyprus problem was through the implementation of the 8 July Agreement.

The Cyprus Government insists on the process agreed in the framework of the 8 July Agreement, the Foreign Minister stressed and pointed out the risk of having to face a Kosovo-type problem in Cyprus should the aforementioned agreement be abandoned.


‘No’ to Turkey’s EU accession if Cyprus occupation continues, says Greek President

The President of the Hellenic Republic Mr Karolos Papoulias has sent a clear message to Ankara regarding its aspiration to join the European Union. Addressing a commemorative service for Archbishop Makarios, in Nicosia on 29 July, Mr Papoulias asserted: “We will not accept the paradox of Turkey pursuing strategically to accede to the European Union while it insists on maintaining its occupation troops in Cyprus, and we urge our EU partners not to tolerate this”.

UNFICYP: Papadopoulos- Talat meeting set for 5th September

Following the letters sent by President Papadopoulos to the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Talat around the end of June 2007 and the retrogressions of Mr Talat, the latter finally sent a letter to the President Papadopoulos on 14 August 2007, with which he accepted the invitation for a meeting. The President of the Republic, according to an official press release, replied on the same day through a letter to the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus, asking him to make immediately the necessary arrangements for a meeting between the leaders of the two communities, aimed at the immediate implementation of the 8th July Agreement.

After this development, the Representatives of the leaders of the two communities Messers Tasos Tzionis and Rasit Pertev met on 21st August with the aim to set a date for a meeting between the two leaders. According to an announcement by UNFICYP (21.08.2007), “Mr. Rasit Pertev and Mr. Tasos Tzionis, principal aides to leaders of the two communities, met for 45 minutes this morning at UNFICYP headquarters, Nicosia, in the presence of UNFICYP Senior Adviser Wlodek Cibor”, and agreed on a date for a meeting between the leaders of the two communities.

Papadopoulos-Talat meeting

The President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat had a private meeting in the presence of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Cyprus Mr Michael Moller on 5 September. In a statement he read to the press after the meeting, Mr Moller said the meeting was held “in a constructive atmosphere”, noting that the two leaders “agreed on the need for the earliest start of the process, and discussed other issues, leading to a comprehensive settlement”. “They agreed to continue their contact through the United Nations and to meet again when appropriate”, he concluded.

President Papadopoulos told journalists, after the meeting, that while the G/C side had insisted on the serious preparation of the peace talks through the Committees, as foreseen by the 8 July Agreement, the T/C side had demanded changes to the Agreement, asking for immediate talks and restricting the role of the Committees.

“5” Security Council members in favour of 8 July Agreement

The Ambassadors in Nicosia of the five permanent members of the Security Council met, on 12 September, with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative Michael Moller, and reviewed the latest developments on the Cyprus problem, in light of the meeting between President Papadopoulos and the T/C leader. According to CNA, the diplomats discussed the outcome of the Papadopoulos-Talat meeting and confirmed their countries’ firm position in favour of the immediate implementation of the July 8 Agreement. They also examined ways to exert influence on the Turkish side to persuade it to implement the Agreement.

Provocative statements by Gul – religion in the forefront

For the first time in the history of the Cyprus problem, Turkey is raising the issue of religion through the official lips of the new Turkish President Abdullah Gul, who stated that in Cyprus there are “two democracies, two states, two languages and two religions”. Mr Gul also noted that a solution to the problem would have to take into consideration the “realities” on the island. “These realities mean that there are two communities, two democracies and two states in Cyprus”, he said in his address before the so-called “parliament” in the occupied areas, where he held an illegal visit on 18 September 2007.

Peter Millet: Cyprus problem a political, not a religious issue

British High Commissioner in Nicosia, Peter Millet, dismissed statements made by Turkish President Abdullah Gul, stressing that the Cyprus question was a political issue, which could not be turned into a religious difference, adding that his country could not accept the division of Cyprus and that it supported efforts to implement the July 8th Agreement. “Britain, being a guarantor power to the Republic of Cyprus, cannot accept the division of the island. We support a solution based on the model of a bizonal, bicommunal federation and political equality and this is why we support a dialogue based on the July 8 Agreement and we support the implementation of the Agreement the soonest possible”, he stressed.

Furthermore, the general secretary of the New Cyprus Party, Izzet Izcan, commented on the statements made by the Turkish President, who claimed that the solution of the Cyprus problem would be based on the existence of “two separate states, two separate democracies and two separate peoples”, describing them as interference in the will of the Turkish Cypriots for a federal solution.

Contacts of President Papadopoulos in New York

Speech before the UN General Assembly
A Cyprus settlement in the form of a bizonal, bicommunal federation can be truly comprehensive and need not sacrifice justice for the sake of peace, President Papadopoulos stated at the General Debate of the 62nd Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, noting that the Cyprus problem was not a derivative of bad community relations but one of outside intervention, and only progress through a preparation of the ground could lead to an agreed settlement sooner.

Speaking before the UN General Assembly, on 26 September, President Papadopoulos stressed that “Turkey’s long-standing objective of gaining political and military control over Cyprus remains unchanged” and “its actions confirm its dedication to its ab initio pursuit of controlling Cyprus through partitioning it geographically in two ethnically clean parts, with Turkey securing rights of suzerainty and the ‘right’ of intervention in Cyprus”.

ECHR's Third Section – decision on missing persons

On 10.1.2008 the Third Section of the ECHR, in its judgment concerning the case “Varnava and others vs Turkey”, regarding 18 Greek Cypriots, nine of which are missing, condemns Turkey for violations of Convention articles, while it does not accept the term "hypothetically deceased", which Turkey attempted to introduce to refer to the missing. Specifically, the judgment notes inter alia the following:

-continuous violation of Article 2 (right to life) because Turkey failed to conduct an effective search on the fate of the missing,
-continuous violation of Article 3 (prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment),
-continuous violation of Article 5 (right to liberty).


Demetris Christofias – New President of the Republic
The President of the House of Representatives, General Secretary of AKEL, Mr Demetris Christofias, is the sixth President of the Republic of Cyprus. In the February 2008 run-off election, he received 53,37%, while his opponent, MEP Ioannis Kasoulides received 46.63%.
In the 17 February presidential elections, there were three main candidates for the Presidency of the Republic: the then President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, the then President of the House of Representatives Mr Demetris Christofias and the MEP Mr Ioannis Kasoulides. The results were as follows: Ioannis Kasoulides 33.51%, Demetris Christofias 33.29% and Tassos Papadopoulos 31.79%.
Mr Papadopoulos’ candidacy was supported by the Democratic Party, the Movement of Social Democrats EDEK, the European Party, the Movement of Ecologists-Environmentalists and ADIK. The candidacy of Mr Christofias was supported by AKEL, the United Democrats, “Epalxi” Political Forum for the Restructuring of the Center and the Socialists’ Initiative. Notably, it was the first time that AKEL competed for the presidency of the Republic with its own candidate, the General Secretary of the party. Mr Kasoulides run with the support of DISY, the Movement of Free Citizens, the Movement of Political Modernization, the People’s Socialist Movement and the European Democracy.
In the 24 February run-off elections, the Democratic Party, the Movement of Social Democrats EDEK and the Movement of Ecologists-Environmentalists decided to support Mr D. Christofias.

The New President’s policy on the Cyprus issue
The President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias outlined his policy on the Cyprus issue, in his address at the ceremony for his investiture, at the special session of the House of Representatives on 28/2/2008, as follows:
A just, viable and functional solution that will terminate the occupation and colonization of our country. A solution that will restore the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus and will exclude any rights for military intervention in the internal affairs of our country by foreign powers.
A solution which will reunite the territory, the people, the institutions and the economy of our country in the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, as provided for in the Makarios – Denktash High-Level Agreement of 1977 and the Kyprianou – Denktash High-Level Agreement of 1979.

The federal, bizonal, bicommunal Republic of Cyprus must have a single sovereignty and international personality and a single citizenship.
The solution must be based on the United Nations resolutions on Cyprus and be compatible with international and the EU law as well as with international conventions on human rights.

We demand that the solution will restore and safeguard the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all the people of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Armenians and Latins, including the right of return and the right to property for the refugees.

We demand that the solution will provide for the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation troops and the demilitarization of the Republic of Cyprus. The ultimate goal remains the demilitarization of all of Cyprus.

We support consistently the political equality of the two communities in the framework of a federation, as this is defined in the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council.
The starting point to break the deadlock and create the preconditions for a comprehensive negotiation of the Cyprus problem is the implementation of the 8 July agreement, which is embraced and supported by the five permanent members of the Security Council. We declare our readiness for dialogue for the implementation of the agreement and we hope to have a positive response from the Turkish Cypriot side.

Message to the Turkish Cypriots
In his investiture speech, President Christofias, addressed our Turkish Cypriot compatriots in order to assure them that he was filled with and inspired by the best of intentions for reconciliation and peaceful coexistence. “I assure them once again that I will work so that they can enjoy all the rights as equal citizens of a united federal Republic of Cyprus. However, I wish to emphatically reiterate that the restoration of the rights of Turkish Cypriots cannot take place at the expense of the rights of the Greek Cypriot and of our Maronite, Armenian and Latin compatriots. This would doom the solution of the Cyprus problem to failure from the outset,” he stressed.

Christofias’ message to Britain
Speaking at a press conference he gave for the Union of Foreign Correspondents of Greece, in Athens, Mr Christofias conveyed a message to the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Talat, as well as to the British regarding the issue of “parthenogenesis”. Having admitted that mistakes had been made by the Greek Cypriot side, as well as the Turkish Cypriot side in the 60’s, President Christofias said that the outcome of the talks would be a continuation of the Republic of Cyprus and a continuation of the partnership that had been accomplished in 1960. Addressing the British, he said: “I want to send a message to Britain, as well. The father of the so-called ‘virgin birth’ was a British man, Mr Haney”.

“The British maintain in Cyprus the so-called sovereign bases, which have been established on the basis of the 1960 treaties. They cannot have it both ways; support ‘virgin birth’ and at the same time claim that the 1960 treaties are valid. Either the one or the other can be valid”, President Christofias added. (06.03.2008)


Iacovou and Nami confirm the Christofias - Talat meeting

On 12 March, the first meeting between the Presidential Commissioner Mr George Iacovou and the Turkish Cypriot leader’s Advisor Mr Ozdil Nami took place in the office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Cyprus Mr Michael Møller. During the meeting, it was agreed that on 21st March a meeting would take place between the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat.

President Christofias briefs Ambassadors of UNSC Permanent Members

The Ambassadors of the five Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council expressed their commitment to supporting the 8th July Agreement during their meeting with the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias at the Presidential Palace on 18 March 2008.

Meeting between Christofias and Talat

The President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot Leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat agreed, during their first meeting on 21st March 2008, to meet in three months to review the work of the working groups and technical committees, and using their results, to start full-fledged negotiations under the auspices of the Secretary-General of the United Nations. On the issue of Ledra Street, the two leaders agreed that, as soon as technically possible, Ledra Street would open and function in accordance with the established practices at other crossings. The above were included in a statement that was read by Mr Moller.

Meeting between Iacovou and Nami – decisions

The Presidential Commissioner Mr George Iacovou and the Turkish Cypriot leader’s Advisor Mr Ozdil Nami agreed, during their meeting on 26 March 2008, to establish six working groups and seven technical committees.

As Mr Iacovou stated after the meeting, the titles of the six Working Groups are: “Governance and Power sharing”, “EU Matters”, “Security and Guarantees”, “Territory”, “Property” and “Economic Matters”. The titles of the Technical Committees are: “Crime and Criminal Matters”, “Economic and Commercial Matters, “Cultural Heritage”, “Crisis Management”, “Humanitarian Matters”, “Health Matters” and “Environment”.

Elizabeth Spehar replaces Michael Møller on a temporary basis

The Director for the Americas and Europe Division of the UN Secretariat, Ms Elizabeth Spehar was appointed by the UN Secretary-General as UNFICYP’s acting Chief of Mission, in replacement of Mr Michael Mοller. Ms Spehar officially assumed her duties on 28 March 2008.

Lynn Pascoe visits Cyprus

The Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Mr Lynn Pascoe arrived to Cyprus on the night of 30 March, within the framework of a Nicosia – Athens –Ankara tour. Mr Pascoe held meetings with President Christofias and Mr Talat, during which he was briefed on the positions of the two sides, regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Speaking at a press conference before departing from Cyprus on 2 April, Mr Pascoe said: “There is a very positive tone here in Cyprus at the moment, and a palpable sense of momentum. The two leaders have set their sights on achieving a fair and lasting solution, and I think Cypriots are right to have high expectations. I’m encouraged and I will pass this on to the Secretary-General when I talk with him”.

The Ledras Street road-block is removed

At 9.00 a.m., on Thursday, 3 April 2008, the road-block of Ledras Street opened. The road-block – present for half a century, excluding the period of 1960-1963 – had been the symbol of Nicosia’s division. However, it has been stressed that the opening of Ledras Street does not mean that the Cyprus problem has been solved, but rather that the opening contributes to the creation of a positive climate, which is necessary for the success of the efforts for a comprehensive solution.

The National Council ascertains creation of positive climate

The National Council, during its meeting on 9 April presided by the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias, ascertained that as a result of the G/C side’s initiatives, a positive climate had been created, which the G/C side was utilizing in the direction of promoting the negotiations on the Cyprus problem.

Taye-Brook Zerihoun the new Special Representative of the UN SG in Cyprus

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon informed the Security Council on his intention to appoint Taye-Brook Zerihoun of Ethiopia to the position of his Special Representative in Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP, the Secretary-General’s spokesperson told journalists on 10 April. The UN official comes to Cyprus from Sudan, where he served as the SG’s Principal Deputy Special Representative in the UN Mission in that country (UNMIS).

Lynn Pascoe briefs UN Security Council

The UN Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe briefed the members of the UN Security Council, on 15 April, on his recent visit in the Cyprus region and the outcome of his meetings in Nicosia, Athens and Ankara. Speaking to the press after the briefing, Mr Pascoe said he gave the UNSC “a fairly optimistic report” and noted: “All of us recognize that there are many difficult issues out there that have to be resolved, but at this point the working groups are being set up, the process is being quite good and we’re looking forward to them getting into the various parts of the substance and the issues next week. So I hope the process is moving forward”.


UNSC presidential statement on Cyprus – Government expresses satisfaction

Following Lynn Pascoe’s briefing, the UN Security Council adopted, on 17 April, a Presidential statement on Cyprus, in which it welcomes the latest positive developments on the Cyprus problem, after the agreement of 21 March, and reaffirms in a clear manner the parameters of the sought after solution. According to the presidential statement, read by the President of the Council, Permanent Representative of South Africa Ambassador Dumisani Shadrack Kumalo, “the Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the reunification of Cyprus based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation and political equality, as set out in the relevant Security Council resolutions, and its willingness to support the efforts of the Secretary-General to this end”.

Cyprus’ Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Andreas Mavroyiannis said the Cyprus Government welcomed the adoption of the presidential statement.

Working groups and technical committees begin regular meetings

G/C and T/C working groups and technical committees, set up in the framework of the 21 March 2008 agreement between the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the T/C leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat, began their work on 22 April. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, the Presidential Commissioner Mr George Iacovou said “the impression is that things will go on rather quickly”, adding: “They began discussing the issues, reviewed them and expressed their initial positions”. He also said UN representatives were present in the meetings of all the groups and committees.

“The role of the groups and committees is preparatory, especially for the working groups. However, there are in my view some issues with good prospects of reaching consent, or if consent is too difficult then convergence could be reached”, Mr Iacovou asserted, noting, at the same time, that some other issues were considered to be difficult and “thorny” and possibly no convergence could be reached on those.

France is by Cyprus’ side

France cannot accept in the EU a country, which has occupation troops in another European country. This was the clear message the French Prime Minister Mr François Fillon sent to Turkey from Nicosia, following his meeting with the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias on 9 May 2008. For his part, President Christofias sent a clear message to the Turkish side that the Greek Cypriot side did not undertake any commitment to begin negotiations for a Cyprus settlement, without prior progress in the work of the Technical Committees and the Working Groups. Mr Fillon stressed that France would do everything in its power, being a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to help Cyprus.

Zerihoun arrives to Cyprus

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus Mr Tayé-Brook Zerihoun arrived to Cyprus on 13 May 2008 and on the following day he had a meeting with President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat.

President Christofias requests a meeting with Mr Talat

The President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias expressed the view that there was a lot of work to be done in the Technical Committees and the Working Groups, that there were difficulties and significant differences of views and that the basis of the discussion would have to be reassessed: “There are difficulties and significant differences of views and I considered it necessary to ask Mr Talat to meet with me on 23rd May, to reassess the whole situation and he has agreed”. President Christofias made the above statement at Larnaca Airport, on 14 May, before departing for Peru.

Christofias and Talat meet on 23 May

The President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Mr Mehmet Ali Talat had a meeting, in the United Nations Protected Area, in the residence of the Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Cyprus, UNFICYP Chief of Mission Tayé-Brook Zerihoun. After the meeting, a Joint Statement was issued which stated, inter alia, that the two leaders “reaffirmed their commitment to a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality, as defined by relevant Security Council resolutions”. “This partnership will have a Federal Government with a single international personality, as well as a Turkish Cypriot Constituent State and a Greek Cypriot Constituent State, which will be of equal status”, the statement said.


EU-Turkey Association Council

The European Union called on Turkey to clearly commit to the establishment of good neighbourly relations and to the peaceful resolution of disputes, while it expressed regret on the lack of progress in the normalization of Turkey’s relations with Cyprus, the non-implementation of the Customs Union Protocol and the hampering of the Republic of Cyprus’ accession to international organizations. These points were included in the text of the Joint position of the EU “27”, presented by the Slovenian Presidency to the Turkish Foreign Minister in the framework of the EU-Turkey Association Council. (27.05.2008)

Talat’s interview to Euronews

The Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Talat gave an interview to Euronews (29.05.2008), during which he referred to the existence of two peoples in Cyprus as well as to a new partnership between the two states, and expressed the view that there are no settlers in Cyprus. The response of the Government Spokesman Mr Stefanos Stefanou was immediate. Mr Stefanou described Mr Talat’s remarks as unacceptable and underlined that the Greek Cypriot side would continue to firmly avoid playing this blame game.

Cyprus and the UK sign a Memorandum of Understanding

The Memorandum of understanding between the Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom, signed on 5 June by the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Mr Gordon Brown, commits both countries “to working together to reunify the island”. “The aim is a comprehensive and durable settlement based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation and political equality, as defined by the relevant UN resolutions and the principles upon which the EU is founded,” the memorandum states, adding that “this settlement must be based on a single sovereignty, international personality and a single citizenship”. The memorandum also provides that “both countries support the on-going process under the Good Offices of the Secretary-General, including the move to full negotiations on a date agreed by the two leaders”. Moreover, in the memorandum the two countries “reiterate their commitment to their respective obligations under the Treaties signed in 1960”.

Russia: the central role on the Cyprus issue belongs to the UN Security Council

“We are not intercepting anyone’s role. And no one can intercept our role from us”, the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Sergey Lavrov said, underlining that the central role on the Cyprus issue belongs to the UN Security Council and its five permanent members, who can work solely on a basis of consensus. “In this context”, the Russian official underlined, “I cannot see any possibility for the Security Council to support any decision, which will not be a subject of agreement between the Cyprus parties themselves”. Russia’s Foreign Minister made the above statements, after talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Markos Kyprianou, during the latter’s visit to Moscow (9.6.2008).

UNSG’s report on UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus

In his report (S/2008/353/2.6.2008) on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), the UN Secretary-General makes a special reference to the 21 March Agreement and the 23 May Joint Statement, outlining the basic parameters of a Cyprus solution. More specifically, it is stated that the Secretary-General finds it “especially encouraging that the leaders reconfirmed, at their meeting on 23 May, the broad outline of a solution, based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined by the Security Council in its relevant resolutions, and a partnership comprising a Federal Government with a single international personality, as well as a Turkish Cypriot Constituent State and a Greek Cypriot Constituent State, with equal status”. The Secretary-General also records various Turkish violations in Varosha, noting that “the United Nations continues to hold the Government of Turkey responsible for the status quo in Varosha”.

Resolution 1818

The UN Security Council adopted, on 13 June, Resolution 1818, with which it extends, for a further period ending 15 December 2008, UNFICYP’s mandate in Cyprus. In the Resolution, the Security Council, inter alia, reaffirms all its relevant resolutions on Cyprus, in particular resolution 1251 (1999) of 29 June 1999 and subsequent resolutions. It also “urges the parties to build on the present momentum and continue their efforts to identify to the greatest possible extent areas of convergence and disagreement, while preparing options where feasible on the more sensitive elements, and to work to ensure that fully-fledged negotiations can begin expeditiously and smoothly, in line with the agreement of 21 March and the Joint Statement of 23 May”.

Lynn Pascoe visits Cyprus

The UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Mr Lynn Pascoe visited Cyprus on 17 June 2008, in an effort of the United Nations to encourage the dialogue between the two sides. Mr Pascoe had meetings with the leaders of the two communities, the five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council and with political leaders from both sides. Speaking at a press conference (18.6.2008), Mr Pascoe stated that the two leaders are “very committed to moving forward and to finally resolving the Cyprus problem”, and noted that the United Nations and the entire international community are solidly behind the two leaders’ joint statements of 21st March and 23rd May. “I will come here periodically to see what progress has been made, to see where we can give more help”, he added.

Third meeting between Christofias and Talat on 1st July - CBMs announced

President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat will meet on Tuesday 1st July for the third time, in the framework of the new process, under the aegis of the United Nations, to solve the Cyprus problem. The announcement was made by UN Secretary General’s Special Representative to Cyprus Mr Taye-Brook Zerihoun, at the joint press conference of Mr George Iacovou and Mr Ozdil Nami, on 20 June at the Ledra Palace, during which they announced six agreements reached, which basically constitute Confidence Building Measures, in the following areas:

· Cultural heritage
· Health (ambulance crossings, combating communicable diseases)
· Environment (an island-wide assessment of all major waste streams, environmental education
· Road Safety

Decisions by the ECHR

The European Court of Human Rights found Turkey guilty of human rights violations in the cases that concern the killings of Anastasios Isaak and Solomos Solomou in August 1996. The European Court of Human Rights held unanimously, on 24 June 2008, that in both cases, there had been a violation of Article 2 (right to life) of the European Convention on Human Rights in respect of the killing of Anastasios Isaak and Solomos Solomou; and a violation of Article 2 in respect of the failure to conduct an effective investigation into the circumstances in which Anastasios Isaak and Solomos Solomou died.

Anastasios Isaak was killed on 11 August 1996 in the buffer zone in the area of Dherynia, during an anti-occupation demonstration organised by the Cyprus Motorcycle Federation (CMF). Solomos Solomou was killed on 14 August 1996. Having attended Anastasios Isaak’s funeral he entered the buffer zone with other demonstrators near the spot of the killing and, in protest, climbed up a flagpole flying the Turkish flag. He was unarmed. He was shot and killed while trying to remove the Turkish flag from its mast.

In addition, the European Court of Human Rights found Turkey guilty in the case of Eleni Foka, a teacher at the Elementary School of Agia Triada, in Karpasia, of violating Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which concerns the freedom of expression.

Two leaders agree on single sovereignty and citizenship

During their meeting on 1 July 2008, the leaders of the two communities undertook a first review of the work of the Working Groups and Technical Committees and agreed, in principle, on the issues of single sovereignty and citizenship and to discuss the details of their implementation during the full-fledged negotiations. According to the joint statement they issued after the meeting, Messrs Christofias and Talat agreed to meet again on 25 July to undertake the final review of the Working Groups and Technical Committees.

Press Conference by President Christofias

The key to a solution is in the hands of Turkey and the attainment of a settlement depends largely on her will, the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias stated during a Press Conference he gave on 8 July, for the first 120 days of his governance. We had, however, stated that we will do our utmost to create the conditions for a solution, he added. This is what we have been doing from the first day of my presidency and we believe that the results so far vindicate our policy, Mr Christofias said.

Moreover, replying to press questions after his opening statement, President Christofias noted that the bitter experience of 2004 did not allow the Greek Cypriot side to accept tight deadlines for resuming or ending the negotiations. That would be a tragic mistake for both communities, he added and called for patience, calm and the courage to face the various pressures, either from outside or from within, and also consensus in order to serve better the interests of the Cypriot people as a whole.

First meeting between President Christofias and Ban Ki-Moon

“The UN Secretary-General Mr Ban Ki-Moon assured me of the interest of the United Nations to see a solution to the Cyprus problem the soonest, after talks between Cypriots for Cypriots”, the President of the Republic told reporters after his first encounter with the UN Chief in Paris on 13 July. He then added: “We have confirmed the ownership of the procedure – Cypriots are the owners of the procedure – and that the United Nations will play, with consistency and objectivity, the role of the creator of the conditions. This satisfies us.”

Also speaking to the press at Larnaca Airport upon his return from Paris and asked to comment on his meeting with Mr Ban Ki-Moon, Mr Christofias said the UN SG had expressed his and the UN’s full readiness to have under their aegis the effort that had already begun for a solution of the Cyprus issue and to create the conditions for the success of that effort without arbitration or strict timeframes.

Christofias and Talat agree to resume direct talks

The President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the leader of the T/C community Mr Mehmet Ali Talat have made a final review of the work of the Working Groups and the Technical Committees and agreed to begin direct talks on 3 September 2008, under the UN Secretary-General’s Good Offices Mission, a Joint Statement issued after the two leaders’ meeting on 25 July says.

According to the Joint Statement, Messrs Christofias and Talat also decided to establish a secure hotline and approved 16 additional Confidence Building Measures in various sectors.

Visit of the UNSG’s new Special Adviser to Cyprus

The UN Secretary-General’s newly appointed Special Adviser on the Cyprus problem, Alexander Downer, visited Cyprus on 28 July for informative contacts. During his first visit on the island, Australia’s former Foreign Minister was briefed by the Secretary-General's Special Representative in Cyprus, Tayé Brook Zerihoun, on the latest developments on the Cyprus problem, in light of the resumption of direct negotiations between President Christofias and the T/C leader Mehmet Ali Talat on 3 September. He was also received by President Christofias and went to the occupied areas, where he met with the T/C leader.

Speaking at a press conference at Ledra Palace, after having completed his two-day visit, Mr Downer said he was encouraged by his contacts with the leaders of the two communities, adding that he had confirmed their sincere commitment to reach a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem.


Limnitis crossing point – Iacovou walks out of meeting with Nami

The Presidential Commissioner Mr George Iacovou and Mr Ozdil Nami, the T/C leader’s advisor, continued their meetings throughout August discussing procedural matters pertaining to the Christofias-Talat meeting (3/9/2008) and the opening of the Limnitis crossing point. The residents of the Tillyria area had been demanding the opening of Limnitis, something that would contribute to lifting their isolation. That demand was also supported by the Turkish Cypriot residents of the area. Furthermore, the residents of Pyrgos village demanded that they cross through Limnitis to visit the church of Ayios Mamas in occupied Morphou to hold mass on the Saint’s name day on 2 September. Although the T/C side had not responded to the Greek Cypriots’ demands, the G/C side satisfied an equivalent demand by Turkish Cypriots to visit Kokkina village, through Limnitis crossing point, to celebrate the 44th anniversary of the so-called Kokkina resistance. Consequently, on 8 August, approximately 1,100 Turkish Cypriots crossed through Limnitis in buses and headed to Kokkina via Pyrgos. During their transportation, Greek Cypriot residents of the area, led by the Bishop of Kykkos and Tillyria Mr Nikiforos, organised a peaceful demonstration.

On 29 August, a scheduled meeting between Iacovou and Nami did not take place as Mr Iacovou walked out after Mr Taye Brook Zerihoun, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative, conveyed to him the T/C side’s decision not to allow the crossing of Pyrgos village residents, through Limnitis, in order to visit the occupied church of Ayios Mamas for pilgrimage.

Launch of full-fledged negotiations on the Cyprus problem

Full-fledged negotiations on the Cyprus problem were launched on 3rd September 2008 with a meeting between the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat. The meeting, which had a ceremonial character, took place in the presence of the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer and of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Mr Taye-Brook Zerihoun, in the UN protected area of the Nicosia airport.

In his opening statement, President Christofias said that “the foundations of an agreement are described in the High Level Agreements of '77 and '79 which provide for the transformation of the unitary state into a federal one” and underlined that the agreed solution will be approved by the people in separate simultaneous referenda with no arbitration or artificial timetables.

Opening statements were also made by the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Talat and by the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer, who read a message of the UN Secretary-General.

President Christofias, after his meeting with Mr Talat, made additional comments in which he stressed that “a solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation was a major concession made by President Makarios in 1977, and due credit should be given to this concession”.

“I wish to be clear from the beginning of this process: with this concession, the Greek Cypriot side has exhausted its limits and can not go any further. Neither confederation, nor a new partnership of two states through ‘parthenogenesis’ can be accepted. The federal solution will be a partnership of the two communities,” he added.

The Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Talat, in his message to the Turkish Cypriots on the evening of the same day, repeated the well known positions of the Turkish side about political equality of the two constituent states and about two peoples.”

Foreign Governments and international organisations welcomed with their statements the launch of negotiations.


President Christofias’ visit to Sweden

The President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias paid a two-day visit to Sweden on 4 and 5 September 2008. In statements after the visit, the Government Spokesman Mr Stefanos Stefanou mentioned that “the Prime Minister of Sweden, as well as the country’s Foreign Minister expressed strong interest in the developments in the Cyprus problem and recognized President Christofias’ role in solving the problem”. (6.9.2008)


Telephone conversation between UN SG and Christofias, Talat, Karamanlis and Erdogan
The Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Ms Michel Montas announced during her regular press briefing that the Secretary-General had spoken by phone separately with President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat “to congratulate them personally on the formal launch last week of full-fledged negotiations aimed at a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem”. (8.9.2008). The Secretary-General also spoke with Prime Minister Karamanlis and Prime Minister Erdogan on 9 and 10 September, respectively.

Christofias – Talat substantive meeting

On 11 September, the first substantive meeting between the two leaders took place, during which the issues of governance and power sharing were discussed.
In statements to the press, the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Mr Alexander Downer mentioned that the talks had been productive and fruitful and that the two leaders would continue the negotiations on the 18th September.
Despite the fact that the two leaders had taken on the commitment to refrain from statements to the press, the T/C leader gave a press conference to a Turkish channel, on the very same day of the negotiations.

Christofias and Talat participate in bi-communal event

The President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat attended a bicommunal event, organized by G/C and T/C youth organizations of political parties in Cyprus, in Ledra Palace, on the occasion of the International Peace Day, under the auspices of Embassy of the Slovak Republic. The two leaders took on the commitment, before hundreds of G/C and T/C to work for a solution of the Cyprus problem and the reunification of Cyprus. (14.9.2008)

Discussion on Governance continues

The leaders of the two communities had, on 18 September, their second substantive meeting during which, according to a UN press release, “Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat today continued their negotiations on the questions of governance and power-sharing”. The two leaders, the press release added, “have agreed to resume negotiations on these questions on 8 October”.

Christofias–UN SG meeting – General Assembly Address

The President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias had a meeting with the UN Secretary-General Mr Ban Ki-Moon, on 21 September 2008 in New York, on the sidelines of the 63rd UN General Assembly. During the meeting, the two men assessed the course of the newly-launched direct negotiations for a Cyprus settlement. Speaking to the press afterwards, President Christofias said he had pointed out to the UN Chief the need for him to exert influence on Ankara in order for the T/C side to become more logical at the negotiating table.

President Christofias addressed the 63rd UN General Assembly plenary on 24.9.2008. In his speech he underlined that “it is Cypriots themselves who must construct the state they envision for their society”, adding that “the role of the UN Secretary-General and the international community is to assist and support”.


Kyprianou – Rice meeting

Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou had a thirty-minute meeting in New York with his American counterpart Condoleezza Rice on 26.9.2008. In statements to the press, the State Department Chief made reference to a new opportunity and a new climate being created vis-á-vis the Cyprus problem. For his part, Mr Kyprianou asked from the US administration to exert pressure on Turkey since “Turkey is holding the key to a settlement”.


President Christofias addresses PACE

President Christofias, speaking before the plenary of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg on 30.9.2008, suggested to the UN Secretary-General to promote an agreement between the Turkish occupation troops and the National Guard for a cancellation of their respective annual military exercises held every autumn in Cyprus and the surrounding area.

Speaking from the PACE podium, Mr Christofias made specific suggestions for improving the climate regarding the negotiations on a Cyprus settlement, also suggesting the agreement and implementation of military de-escalation measures such as the unmanning of powers especially in the Nicosia area, including the complete demilitarization of the old town of Nicosia.
The T/C leader Mr Talat also addressed PACE the following day (1.10.2008).


Address by the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias

In his address on the anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Cyprus, President Christofias underlined that Cyprus was too small to be divided, yet large enough to fit its entire people, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Latins and Armenians, and assured that he would do his utmost for the unity of the island, with a federal solution (30.9.2008).


PACE Resolution on the Cyprus problem

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe approved a resolution (1628/1.10.2008) on Cyprus, in which, inter alia, there is a reference to UN Security Council resolutions 541 and 550.


Alexander Downer’s contacts

The UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Mr Alexander Downer held a series of contacts during the first week of October. Mr Downer met with the UN Secretary-General Mr Ban Ki-moon and the Under-Secretary-General Mr Lyn Pascoe (2.10.2008), the US Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs Mr William Burns (4.10.2008), the permanent representatives of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (6.10.2008), and the EU Enlargement Commissioner Mr Olli Rehn (7.10.2008).


The “Elders” in Cyprus

In an effort to encourage the leaders of the two communities, a delegation of the “Elders” came to Cyprus. The delegation was made up of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former Algerian Foreign Minister Lakhdar Brahimi (8/10/2008).


Christofias–Talat meeting – Direct talks

President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Talat had their third substantive meeting, within the framework of the direct talks to solve the Cyprus problem, on 10 October 2008. During the meeting, which lasted three and a half hours, governance and power sharing were, again, discussed.

In his statement, Mr Downer described the meeting as constructive and mentioned that progress had been achieved. He added that the two leaders had agreed to meet on a weekly basis. “The leaders had further discussions today on the powers of the federal government, and they made progress”, he said, noting that “they also began discussions about the structure of the federal executive”. “Working groups, representatives and experts will meet according to the instructions of the leaders as needed”, Mr Downer said.


Christofias meets Talat – Statements by A. Downer

The two leaders continued, on 13 October, their talks on the issue of governance. Speaking to the press after the meeting, Mr Downer said the representatives of the two leaders would meet on 16 October under the auspices of the UN to resume discussion on the issue of presidency and vice-presidency. The next meeting of the two Cyprus leaders was set for 22 October.

Meanwhile, President Christofias, who was speaking upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace after meeting the T/C leader, announced the decision of the Council of Ministers that the Cyprus Government would suggest to the UN Secretary-General the cancellation of the National Guard’s military exercise “Nikiforos”, requesting the same for the equivalent exercise of the Turkish occupation troops “Tavros”.


Turkey becomes UNSC non-permanent member – Reaction by Cyprus Government

The decision to elect Turkey as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2009 -2010 provoked a negative reaction by the Cyprus Government which, as President Christofias said, is making representations to various directions in order to stave off the Turkish deliberations. Replying to relevant press questions, Mr Christofias added that “interventions must be made in various directions so that Turkey would not hinder the approval of any rightful, principle-based resolutions of the UN Security Council and any decisions by the UN”. (18.10.2008)


Christofias-Talat meeting – Statements by Zerihoun

The fifth meeting between President Christofias and the T/C leader took place on 22 October. In statements to the press, the UN SG’s Special Representative in Cyprus Mr Zerihoun said the two leaders continued discussing the structure of the federal government, opening up, at the same time, the discussion on the legislature. Mr Zerihoun also expressed the view that the negotiation process was “going well”.

Meeting of the two leaders - legislative power

The President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat continued today (3.11.2008) their discussions on the issue of the federal executive. During their meeting, there was also a preliminary exchange of views on the legislature.

As the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mr Taye-Brook Zerihoun stated, after the three hour meeting between the two leaders, the two leaders “took up discussion on the federal executive and again instructed their representatives to continue their discussions in an effort to narrow remaining differences”. “Following that” Mr Zerihoun added, “the leaders continued with a preliminary exchange of views on the legislature”.

EU-Turkey - Progress Report

The European Commission called on Turkey “to take concrete steps to contribute to a favourable climate for a comprehensive settlement” and noted that Ankara “has made no progress towards fully implementing the Additional Protocol”.

In the Progress Report on Turkey (5.11.2008) publicized by the European Commission, there is a reference to all 33 negotiation chapters concerning Turkey’s EU accession negotiations.

UN Secretary General - meeting - statements by Downer

The UN Secretary-General Mr Ban Ki-moon, speaking at a press conference in New York, appeared optimistic that the Cyprus dialogue and the negotiations “will be much better than before”. (11.11.2008)

Talks - Meeting - Statements by Downer

The meeting between the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat, in the framework of the direct negotiations on the Cyprus problem, focused on the issue of the legislature (11.11.2008).

As the UN Secretary General’s Special adviser on Cyprus Mr Alexander Downer stated after the three hour meeting between the two leaders, the talks “began with the now habitual tête-à-tête meeting, the private meeting between the two leaders. That lasted for around half an hour and then there was a discussion for a couple of hours about the issue of the legislature”.

Talks - Alexander Downer - Statements

At their meeting (17.11.2008), the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot Leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat discussed the independent offices, the office of the Federal Attorney-General, the Federal Auditor-General as well as issues that concern the Supreme Court, according Mr Downer’s statements.

President Christofias’ official visit to Russia – Signing of Joint Declaration

Russia and Cyprus reconfirmed “the necessity of reaching a comprehensive, just and viable settlement in Cyprus on the basis of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and High Level Agreements of 1977 and 1979”, as started in the Joint Declaration on the further intensification of the relations of friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Cyprus (19.11.2008).

In the declaration, which was signed in Moscow by the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the President of the Russian Federation Mr Dmitry Medvedev, there is a reference to the High Level Agreements’ provision “for the transformation of the unitary State of the Republic of Cyprus into a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with a single sovereignty, citizenship and international personality, embodying political equality as determined in the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions”.

Searching for hydrocarbons in Cyprus' exclusive economic zone – Turkish provocations

A Norwegian ship, which was searching for hydrocarbons in Cyprus' exclusive economic zone, was harassed by a Turkish ship on 13 November. The issue surfaced with reports in the press on 24/11/2008. The Government’s response was immediate. Specifically, President Christofias sent on 14.11.2008 a letter to the UN Secretary-General, with which he reported the Turkish provocations. The letter circulated as an official UN document and was publicized on 24.11.2008.

Furthermore, according to statements by the Government Spokesman Mr Stefanos Stefanou (24.11.2008) the five permanent members of the UN Security Council were informed in Cyprus and in New York and representations were made to the European Union through the President of the European Commission Mr Barroso, as well as through the French President Mr Sarkozy, who presides over the European Union this semester.

However, the provocative actions of Turkey continued. More specifically, on three occasions (19, 21 and 24 November 2008), Turkish warships harassed vessels that were conducting research in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone, on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus. Protests were made regarding the above actions through a new letter dated 25.11.2008, addressed to the UN Secretary-General. The letter circulated as an official UN document and was publicized on 3.12.2008


President Christofias – Talks – Mr Talat’s written statement

The Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat read before his 10th meeting with President Christofias a written statement with which he criticized the President’s recent visit to Russia and the signing of the Joint Declaration.

In statements to the press, President Christofias expressed sorrow at the fact and noted that he relates this action with Turkey’s provocations in Cyprus’ sea area.

Moreover, in statements at Larnaca Airport (21/11/2008) on his return from an official visit to Moscow, President Christofias stressed, inter alia the following: “In no case will Cyprus renounce its sovereign rights and the relations between states are among the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus”. “Turkish Cypriots have nothing to lose from the developing relations between various countries and the Republic of Cyprus”, he clarified.

Christofias – Talat meeting – Zerihoun statements

Almost full convergence on what constitutes a federal offence was achieved during the tenth meeting between President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader (25/11/2008).

As the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus Mr Tayé-Brook Zerihoun stated after the meeting, the two leaders discussed federal offenses and the federal police. “On the federal police they also achieved some convergence and they have other areas to discuss when they meet next”, he noted.

President Christofias’ official visit to Greece – Meeting with Karamanlis

Full identity of views on the handling of the Cyprus question was ascertained between President Christofias and the Greek Prime Minister Mr Costas Karamanlis during their meeting in Athens (27/11/2008).

Mr Karamanlis noted that he and President Christofias agreed that the negotiations must continue until a comprehensive agreed solution was found.
Referring to Ankara’s provocations in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone and in the Aegean, the President of the Republic expressed the view that it might be an attempt to force the Greek Cypriot side away from the negotiating table, and clarified, that “we shall not allow this to happen”.

Talks - Statements by Zerihoun

“The leaders had a good meeting in a friendly atmosphere” in the framework of the direct talks on the Cyprus issue, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus Mr Tayé-Brook Zerihoun has stated.

Speaking to the press after the 11th meeting between the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, Mr Zerihoun said that the two leaders resumed their discussions on governance, “focusing this time on the federal public service on which”, he noted, “they identified a number of convergences.”

Moreover, the President of the Republic replied in writing (2.12.3008) to Mr Talat’s objections regarding the signing of the political declaration between Cyprus and Russia, highlighting the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus and the right of the President of the Republic to sign agreements with other countries.


New letter by President Christofias to the UN Secretary General

The second letter of the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias addressed to the UN Secretary-General Mr Ban Ki-moon regarding new Turkish provocations against vessels conducting research, on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus, in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus, circulated as an official document of the United Nations. (2.12.2008)

In his letter dated 25 November 2008, the President of the Republic refers to three serious incidents in which research vessels were harassed by Turkish warships, and stresses at the same time that he will do everything in his power to protect the process of negotiations and to bring it to a positive conclusion.


Government Spokesman - Report by the UN Secretary-General

“In view of the direct negotiations between the two communities, the UN Secretary-General is especially careful, aiming to maintain a balance in his references to the Cyprus problem”, the Government Spokesman Mr Stefanos Stefanou stated (2.12.3008), commenting on Ban Ki-moon’s report on Cyprus.

Mr Stefanou noted that as a consequence of this stance, “there are references that are satisfactory and references that might have been more inclusive”.
“Such is the non reference” he added, “to the provocative acts of Turkey in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone, acts which aggravate the climate and pose a danger for the negotiations process, itself”.

UN – Cyprus problem - Zerihoun – unofficial consultations

The UN Secretary General’s Special Representative in Cyprus Mr Taye Brook Zerihoun, in his briefing of the members of the UN Security Council during unofficial consultations, described the ongoing direct talks in Cyprus as positive (5.12.2008).


Security Council – UNFICYP – Resolution adopted

UN Security Council Resolution 1847 on the renewal of the mandate of the UN Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus was unanimously adopted today. (12.12.2008)


12th meeting between Christofias and Talat

External relations were discussed between the two leaders in Cyprus, within the framework of the direct talks to solve the Cyprus problem, during their 12th meeting on 16/12/2008.

As the Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General, Mr Alexander Downer said, following the meeting, “it is good that they are continuing the discussions on these issues. I have said it on many, many occasions these are very big issues for any community to work through”. “Today’s meeting discussed external relations, powers of a federal government. That discussion will continue at the next meeting”, Mr Downer stated.


Leaders’ meeting – Joint statement- Downer

The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus gave the assurance that they were resolved to do all in their power to reach a settlement as soon as possible, within the framework of their last meeting for 2008, on 22/12/2008.

In their joint statement, read by the UN Secretary-General’ Special Adviser, the two leaders “assess that although some progress has been made, it has been insufficient”.

They also recognize that they “still need to consider a long list of chapters” reaffirming their strong commitment to find a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. “The discussion today”, Mr Downer said in his remarks after the meeting, “was a continuation of the discussion about the External Affairs powers”.


President Christofias’ Message on the occasion of the New Year 2009

Expressing the wish that 2009 will be the year of the solution to the Cyprus problem, the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias stresses in his Message to the people of Cyprus, on the occasion of the New Year, that “division is destructive for everyone” and states that he “will continue to struggle with determination and consistency on the principles of the solution of the problem”.

In his message, President Christofias calls on “the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community to carry on together in a spirit of good will and mutual understanding and to intensify the efforts to achieve the desired solution”, an “agreed and mutually acceptable solution”.

14th Christofias – Talat meeting

The leaders of the two communities “have reached full agreement on the issue of harmonisation and cooperation between the federal government and the constituent states or federal units”, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus Mr Tayé-Brook Zerihoun stated following the meeting (5/1/2009) of the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat.

President Christofias – lack of progress – credentials

“Unfortunately, despite our intensive efforts, after four months of work, I do not have real progress to report”, the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias stated, referring to the results of the direct negotiations to solve the Cyprus problem. This was the message he sent to the international community, receiving the credentials of the new high Commissioner of Malta Richard Vella Laurenti. In his address, President Christofias noted that “the insistence of the Turkish side to weaken the role of the federal Government and to endow the federated units with most of the functions and powers, usually reserved for federal Governments, creates concerns and suspicions that the Turkish side is aiming for an entity approaching confederation rather than federation, as prescribed in relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus”.

15th Christofias – Talat meeting

Relations between a federal government and the constituent states, as well as deadlock-resolving mechanisms were discussed during the meeting between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus. This is what the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General Alexander Downer stated, following the meeting (12.01.2009).

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State visits Athens-Nicosia-Ankara triangle

The US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Mr Matthew Bryza paid a visit to the Athens-Nicosia-Ankara triangle during the first half of January 2009. During his visit to Cyprus, Mr Bryza met with President Christofias, as well as with Mr Talat. In statements to the press after his meeting with the Presidential Commissioner Mr George Iacovou, Mr Bryza said: “we are not part of the negotiations, we don’t aspire to be part of it. The solution which will come will have to be designed and built exclusively by the people who live here in Cyprus and must be a Cypriot solution”.

16th Christofias – Talat meeting – Downer
Deadlock-resolving mechanisms and the hierarchy of norms were the focus of the 16th meeting between President Christofias and Mr Talat, which Mr Downer described as very positive. Moreover, President Christofias told the press that he and Mr Talat “were very close to agreeing on issues that concern the deadlock resolving mechanisms for the legislative and the judiciary”. (16.01.2009)

Olgac’s Confession

The confession of Turkish actor Attila Olgac that he had executed in cold blood ten Greek Cypriots during the Turkish invasion in 1974 shocked public opinion in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey. More specifically the Turkish actor Attila Olgac, who served in the Turkish army during the Turkish invasion, described the circumstances under which he committed this outrageous act, during a television program of Kanal Tϋrk on 22 January 2009.

Next day, Olgac confirmed his story in an interview to the newspaper Radikal, where he gave even more information. Olgac’s statements received wide coverage by the press, while the whole issue began to take international dimensions.

Olgac retracted his confession

However, in the evening of the same day, the day of the interview to Radikal (23.01.2009), realizing the extent of the reactions to his confession, the Turkish actor retracted his statement. In a press release he notes: “what I have said during the TV program, that I killed ten people out of which one was a prisoner, is a scenario I have written to show the bad conditions, the crudity of the war. I did not have the chance to say that it was a scenario, because there was a break for advertisements and then the program ended. What I said has no relation to reality. Soon you will also see the film for which I wrote the script”.

Government Spokesman - Orgac’s confession – Decisions

“The Government will raise the issue of Olgac’s confession to the Committee of Permanent Representatives, in the framework of the 4th Interstate Application of the Republic of Cyprus against Turkey and will lodge an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)” the Government Spokesman Mr Stefanos Stefanou stated on 27.1.2009. “It was also decided that the Government, in cooperation with the House of Representatives, would have a discussion on how to utilize this confession at the European Parliament and in other international fora, with which the House of Representatives has relations”, he added.

EU - Rehn’s Press Spokesman - Olgac - Turkey’s obligation
“Turkey is obliged to ensure effective investigation aimed at clarifying the whereabouts and fate of Greek-Cypriot missing persons” the Press Spokesman of Commissioner Olli Rehn stated on 29.01.2009, and referring to Olgac’s confession he described it “a tragic and shameful story in clear breach of the Geneva Convention”.

Turkey - Case of Attila Olgac
Such uproar was created by Olgac’s confession, also due to the wide publicity it was given by international news agencies and the press in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey, that the Public Prosecutor in Istanbul’s Bakirköy district, Ali Çakır requested an investigation under the Geneva Convention on the treatment of prisoners of war. (Reuters 29.01.2009) “If there is a crime, the case of Olgac will be sent to the International Criminal Court in The Hague,” the Turkish Public Prosecutor said.

Olgac’s case reached such dimensions that Turkish Armed Forces were forced to investigate it. A relevant statement was made by the General Staff Head of the Communication Bureau of the Turkish Armed Forces Brigadier General Metin Gürak, during his press briefing (30.01.2009).

Direct Talks – Property issue
The meetings between the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the T/C leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat entered the chapter of the property issue on 28/1/2009. The issue was discussed during five consecutive meetings, (28/1/2009, 4/2/2009, 12/2/2009, 25/2/2009 and 5/3/2009) during which they presented the principles which will guide the negotiations on the property issue.

Moreover, during these meetings, the leaders “agreed to implement the understanding or the agreement reached in the technical committee on cultural heritage, namely the establishment of an advisory board on the preservation and physical protection, restoration of immovable cultural heritage of Cyprus”, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus Mr Tayé-Brook Zerihoun said on 28/1/2009.

In their 21st meeting, on 5/3/2009, the two leaders referred the matter to the representatives, Messrs Iacovou and Nami, to consider, in tandem with other issues including governance and confidence building measures.

President Christofias addresses foreign correspondents
The President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the T/C leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat share a common vision to reunite Cyprus, as President Christofias has stated, indicating, however, that Mr Talat shifted his stance, compared to the shared views the two of them had shared as leaders of political parties.

Speaking at a lunch hosted by the Cyprus News Agency for foreign correspondents in Cyprus on 5/2/2009, President Christofias clarified that his aim was to solve the Cyprus problem the soonest possible, noting, however, that he would not accept arbitration or tight timeframes.

Sergey Lavrov - Marcos Kyprianou meeting
The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Sergey Lavrov has reaffirmed Russia’s firm and longstanding support for a just and viable settlement of the Cyprus question, the Foreign Minister Mr Marcos Kyprianou said after a meeting he had in Moscow with his Russian counterpart. FM Kyprianou, who held a meeting with Mr Lavrov on 12/2/2009, expressed his satisfaction over the Russian stance, especially during the current crucial phase of the process of direct negotiations.

EU ready to contribute to a solution
The European Union Commissioner for Enlargement, Mr Olli Rehn, has communicated to President Christofias the EU’s readiness to assist efforts towards a negotiated settlement in Cyprus.

Rehn informed Christofias about the views of the President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso on the EU readiness to contribute to the efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem and on the issue of the implementation of the acquis communautaire throughout the island.

During a meeting between President Christofias and Commissioner Rehn on 13/2/2009, it was agreed that the Commission’s working group on the Cyprus issue, created and presided over by Mr Barroso, would keep in close contact and with the Cyprus government.

President of the Republic - Press conference

The Government’s achievements on the Cyprus problem, the difficulties encountered in the negotiations as well as the problems on the home front were issues to which the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias referred in his opening speech at a Press Conference on the completion of the first year of his administration. (6/3)

The President of the Republic initially referred to his Administration Programme on the Cyprus problem, which states that it is imperative for the Greek Cypriot side to undertake the initiative of actions... “A flexible and sincere policy will enable us either to overcome the current deadlocks or - if Turkey fails to change her attitude - to expose her instransigence".

Moreover, the President of the Republic had the opportunity to express Cyprus’ positions on the Cyprus issue in important contacts he had in Cyprus and abroad.

Specifically, during this time, the President of the Republic paid an official visit to The Vatican (25 – 28/3), received the President of Guyana (24/3) and hosted a lunch for the Ambassadors of the Permanent Members of the UN Security Council (13/3).

In all his meetings, the President noted the need for the respect, in practice, of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Cypriot citizens and especially the respect of the four basic freedoms on which the European Union was founded.

At the same time, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Markos Kyprianou paid an official visit to Australia (3-13/3), while Mr Sotos Zackhaeos travelled to Libya (26/3) as the President of the Republic’s Special Envoy.


Talks – European Issues

European issues were the object of the discussions at the four meetings of the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat, in the framework of the direct negotiations (22nd on 11/3, 23rd on 17/3, 24th on 23/3 and 25th on 10/4).

According to statements by the Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General Mr Alexander Downer following the 25th meeting, during the meeting they completed, in what is sometimes called the first reading of the chapter on EU matters and sufficient progress had been recorded. Mr Downer stressed that “more has been agreed and written down – agreed between the two parties and written down -- than at any time since 1974”. The UN official underlined at the same time that the two leaders agreed that they would proceed to implement a series of confidence-building measures. The Australian diplomat said that “for the time being the discussions have concluded on EU matters” and that “there has been a good measure of agreement on many aspects of EU matters”.


President Christofias -Talat – CCCI – T/C chamber of commerce - Speeches

“My vision for the future of Cyprus is a common homeland, where all Cypriot children will be born equal and the right of all our compatriots to a respectable life will be respected”, the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias said in his speech at a joint event of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry on 17/3/2009, during which an agreement was signed by the two chambers for a joint project, in the presence of the leaders of the two communities.


Markos Kyprianou – Meeting with Ban Ki-moon, Clinton and Biden

“Whilst the talks have made good progress to date, it is extremely important to maintain the momentum in order to bring the current negotiations to a successful conclusion”, the UN Secretary-General Mr Ban Ki-moon told the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Markos Kyprianou during their half hour meeting in New York on 17 April, according to statements by the Spokesman of the UN Secretary General.

During his visit to the United States of America, Mr Kyprianou also had talks with his counterpart Mrs Hillary Clinton and with the Vice-President of the United States Mr Joe Biden during which they discussed, inter alia, the developments on the Cyprus problem. Both Mrs Clinton and Mr Biden expressed the support of the US government for the ongoing Cypriot-led negotiations under UN auspices for a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

President Christofias - Greek Prime Minister

The common assessment of Cyprus and Greece is that “the progress we have been expecting has not been achieved in the negotiations between the leaders of the two communities,” the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias stated on 22.4.2009, during the joint press conference with the Greek Prime Minister Mr Constantinos Karamanlis.

During Mr Karamanlis’ visit to Cyprus, the two leaders discussed Cyprus and Greece’s strategy in relation to Turkey’s European course. They agreed that they would continue to support Turkeys’ EU course, but noted that this support is not ‘a carte blanche” for Ankara, which should fulfill its obligations towards Cyprus and the EU.

Ministers of Cyprus and Sweden - Talks - Statements

The Foreign Minister of Sweden Mr Karl Bildt stated on 24.4.2009 that there is now a unique window of opportunity for settling the Cyprus issue”. Speaking after talks in Nicosia with the Minister of foreign Affairs Mr Markos Kyprianou, Mr Bildt said that Turkey’s evaluation by the EU will take place at the end of the year and noted “that any accession process is dependent upon fulfilling the criteria of the EU”. “That applied to Sweden upon a time and we did fulfill the criteria more or less and the same applies to Turkey and the other candidate countries”, he added.

Court European Communities - Orams case - Judgement

The Court of Justice of the European Communities decided on 28.4.2009 in relation to the case of Apostolides vs. the Orams that the suspension of the application of the Acquis Communautaire, in those areas of the Republic of Cyprus in which the Government of that Member State does not exercise effective control and the fact that the judgment cannot, as a practical matter, be enforced where the land is situated, do not preclude its recognition and enforcement in another member state.

UN Security Council – President’s statement - Cyprus issue

“The Security Council urges the leaders to increase the momentum in the negotiations to ensure the full exploitation of this opportunity to reach a comprehensive settlement, based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality as set out in the relevant Security Council resolutions”, the President of the United Nations Security Council said on 30.4.2009, in his statement on the Cyprus problem.

Talks – Chapter on Economy
Following constructive dialogue, during seven meetings, the 26th (21/4), 27th (5/5), 28th (14/5), 29th (21/5), 30th (28/5), 31st (3/6), 32nd (11/6), discussions on the economy have concluded, at least at the level of the leaders.

In statements after the last meeting on this chapter, Mr Zerihoun noted that “In the open meeting, the plenary, introductory statements on the next subject - territorial issues- were read by the representatives Mr Iacovou and Mr Nami”.

Acting Government Spokesman – Davutoglu
The Government of the Republic of Cyprus condemns the visit of the new Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Mr Ahmet Davutoglu to the Turkish occupied areas, another illegal act on the part of Turkey, the Acting Government Spokesman Mr Titos Christofides underlined in a written statement, on 6/5/2009.

Government Spokesman – UNFICYP Resolution – Cyprus problem
The Government of the Republic of Cyprus expressed satisfaction for the approval of Resolution 1873, with which UNFICYP’s mandate is renewed for another six months. The Government Spokesman Mr Stefanos Stefanou especially stressed that “in the resolution, any change to the mandate is only related to the achievement of a solution to the Cyprus problem”.

Limnitis opens
The President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat have agreed the opening of Limnitis during their 34th meeting, within the framework of the direct talks to solve the Cyprus problem.

Talks – Chapter on Territory
A preliminary exchange of views on the issue of territory was achieved during the 33rd (15/6), 34th (26/6) and 35th (2/7) meetings between the two leaders. The President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the T/C leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat agreed that in their next meeting they would open the discussion on security.

European Commission President – Cyprus problem
The President of the European Commission Mr José Manuel Barroso assured of the European Union’s assistance and support in the negotiations process to find a solution to the Cyprus problem, during his one day visit to Cyprus on 25/6/2009. In statements after a private meeting he had with President Christofias, Mr Barroso also noted that it is up to Cyprus itself to find this solution. Reunification, he underlined, will give the opportunity to all Cypriots to take advantage of Cyprus’ accession to the EU.

President of the Republic – Bryza
“There are fundamental philosophical differences that are quite difficult to resolve”, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs of the United States, Mr Matthew Bryza stated adding that the two sides have different views about the continuation of the state, the formation of the federated state and how the constituent states will make sure that there is a balance of political power that respects both minority rights and majority rights.

In statements after the meeting he had on 30/6/2009 with the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias, Mr Bryza also said that on some issues the two sides have bridged their differences and have agreed on a common language. He also expressed the view that Mr Talat has the freedom to maneuver at least on the issues that have been discussed so far, adding that now some tough issues remain to be resolved.

Government Spokesman – British Court – Occupied areas – Direct flights
The Government Spokesman Mr Stefanos Stefanou expressed on 29/07/2009 the Republic of Cyprus’ satisfaction with the decision of the Administrative Court, which is part of the UK High Court, to reject the appeal of the so-called Turkish Cypriot airlines against the decision of the Transportation Minister of the country to disapprove the conduction of direct flights between the United Kingdom and the occupied part of the Cyprus Republic.

Government Spokesman - ECHR – Alexandrou case
The endorsement on the part of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), of the settlement reached between Andromachi Alexandrou and Turkey, in reference to her property in the occupied areas does not constitute recognition of the legality or of the effectiveness of the so-called compensation commission, the Government Spokesman Mr Stefanos Stefanou stressed.

In statements to the press on 29/07/2009 Mr Stefanou noted that the ECHR, in judging the essence of Alexandrou’s case, held that Turkey had violated the Human Rights Convention, yet the applicant made the choice of a friendly settlement.


40th Meeting – first round of talks concludes

The first round of direct negotiations for a solution of the Cyprus problem between President Christofias and the T/C leader Mehmet Ali Talat was concluded on 6 August 2009. Forty meetings in total were held in the framework of the first round of talks under the UN aegis.

Speaking after the last meeting of the first round President Christofias said he was expecting more progress during the first round “but that does not mean no progress was made”. “A round of negotiations has been completed both with convergence and divergence”, Mr Christofias noted, adding that “the second round will be an attempt to achieve more convergence”.

The UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser Mr Downer, speaking to the press after the 40th meeting, stated: “This was the last meeting of the first reading. Certainly, from the perspective of the United Nations, we would say that this is good progress, and it shows that there has been significant progress in these negotiations.”

President Christofias informs overseas Cypriots about developments

The 16th World Conference of Overseas Cypriots was held in Nicosia on 24 – 28 August 2009. Addressing the conference the President of the Republic made clear that the solution of the Cyprus problem would have to lead to the termination of occupation and to the reunification of the territory, people, institutions and the economy of Cyprus.

Syria supports efforts for Cyprus settlement

The Cyprus problem, the Middle East problem, the illegal ferry service between occupied Famagusta and Latakia and bilateral affairs, were the focus of President Christofias’ official two-day (31/8 – 1/9/2009) visit to Syria. The Syrian President Bashar al-Assad conveyed his country’s support for the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem. For his part, President Christofias reiterated Cyprus’ support for the Middle East peace efforts and for a settlement on the basis of international law principles and UN resolutions, noting that no resolution of the Middle East problem was possible without the return of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.

Illegal visit of the Turkish FM to the occupied areas

The Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglou paid an illegal visit to the occupied areas on 31 August 2009. The visit was denounced by the Government Spokesman Mr Stefanou who noted the illegal nature of the Turkish Foreign Minister’s visit. (01.09.2009)

Cancellation of the meeting between Christofias and Talat

The meeting between President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Talat was postponed on the initiative of the Greek Cypriot side due to the stance of the Turkish occupation “authorities,” which resulted in the cancellation of a pilgrimage of Greek Cypriots to Ayios Mamas church in Morphou.

President Christofias had a meeting with President Sarkozy

France supports Cyprus’ efforts to achieve a solution to the Cyprus problem, the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias stated after a working lunch he had with the President of France Mr Nicolas Sarkozy at the Champs Élysée Palace, in Paris. (3.9.2009)

At the lunch, the Cyprus problem, bilateral relations, Turkey’s EU course and issues concerning the EU were discussed.

Informal Council of Party Leaders

The President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias presided over a meeting of the Informal Council of Party Leaders, during which he briefed the members on the cancellation of the pilgrimage to Saint Mamas and on his visits to Damascus and Paris. (3.09.2009)

Official visit of President Christofias to Italy

President Christofias paid an official visit to Italy, during which he had a meeting with the President of the country Mr Giorgio Napolitano, who reiterated his country’s position in favour of a solution of one state in Cyprus. He also had a meeting with the Italian Prime Minister Mr Silvio Berlusconi.

Second Round of talks

With the issues of governance and properties, the second round of the direct negotiations between the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat started on 10.9.1009, since the first round concluded with 40 meetings. According to Mr Downer’s remarks, the leaders of the two communities submitted bridging proposals on the chapter of Governance and specifically on the issue of the election of the President and Vice-President of the Federal Republic.

Three-day session of the National Council

The National Council convened for a three-day session (15, 16 and 18 Sept. 09), during which developments on the Cyprus problem were assessed and the parties submitted their views. After the meeting an official announcement was released in which the general principles that must govern the solution of the Cyprus problem were outlined.

Second meeting of second round of talks

The issue of governance was discussed during the second meeting of the leaders of the two communities, held on 17.9.2009, in the framework of the second round of negotiations. The two leaders agreed to speed up the process and to hold two meetings per week rather than one.

President Christofias, speaking after the meeting, said there was a shift by the Turkish side on the issue of the executive power, adding that the new revised proposals on the issue of governance would be handed over to the experts for further assessment.

President Christofias meets UN Secretary-General

The President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias had a thirty-minute meeting with the UN Secretary-General Mr Ban Ki-Moon on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. (23.9.2009). Mr Ban also met with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Talat in New York on 28.9.2009.

President Christofias addresses UN General Assembly

President Christofias expressed hope that the Turkish side would revise its positions during the second round of direct negotiations so as to achieve, the soonest possible, an agreed solution of the Cyprus problem. He also noted that he would not present the people with a solution originating from outside and he would not accept arbitration and exercise of pressure through artificial timetables.

In his address at the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly (24.9.2009), President Christofias said Turkey was the key factor for the resolution of the Cyprus problem.

Christofias -Talat Meetings

On 7 and 8 October meetings took place between the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Talat, in the framework of the second phase of the direct negotiations on the Cyprus problem, during which issues of governance were examined.

Maurer, appointed Representative of Barroso on the Cyprus problem

The European Commission announced the appointment of Leopold Maurer as the personal Representative of the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso to the Good Offices Mission of the United Nations in Cyprus, noting that Mr Maurer will provide advice to the UN Good Offices Mission on EU-related matters. (9.10.2009)

The Government welcomed the appointment of Mr Maurer with a statement by the Government Spokesman Mr Stefanou, who said that the appointment of Mr Maurer “constitutes the expression of the upgraded interest and the activation of the European Committee and, more generally, of the European Union in the Cyprus problem and the efforts for its solution.” (9.10.2009)

Revised Proposal by the Greek Cypriot side on the executive power

A revised proposal on the issue of the executive power was submitted by President Christofias during his meeting (14.10.2009) with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Talat, which took place in the framework of the second round of negotiations.

In statements after the meeting and asked if there were compromising proposals on the negotiating table, President Christofias said: “we submitted our own revised proposal, which of course does not change the substance of our proposal and there was a response”.

The issue of the executive power was discussed by the leaders of the two communities also at the meeting of 15 October. In his statements, President Christofias said that the Turkish Cypriot side did not reject the Greek Cypriot side’s revised proposal on the issue of the executive power, but did not accept it either.

Progress Report by the EU on Turkey

The European Commission’s Progress Report on Turkey and the Strategy Document on EU Enlargement circulated on 14 October 2009. In his statements, the Government Spokesman Mr Stefanos Stefanou expressed the Government’s satisfaction with the Report, stressing that “a preliminary study shows that both the Report on Turkey and the supplementary strategy document make a note of the complete lack of progress as regards the implementation of the Turkish obligations”.

Official visit by Papandreou to Cyprus

The newly-elected Greek Prime Minister Mr George Papandreou paid an official visit to Cyprus on 19-20 October 2009. In statements to the press after talks between the delegations of their two countries, Messers Christofias and Papandreou said Greece and Cyprus decided to continue their close cooperation in promoting a solution of the Cyprus problem and exploiting the December landmark, when Turkey’s EU course will be evaluated.

President Christofias – T/C leader meetings

President Christofias and the T/C leader Mr Talat held three meetings (21, 22 and 27) in October. The first meeting covered the issue of external relations of the governance chapter and the second the property issue. At their last meeting in October the two leaders discussed the competences of the federal government.

Meeting at the Turkish FM on the Cyprus problem – Talat visits Turkey

A lengthy meeting under Mr Davutoglu was held at the Turkish Foreign Ministry during which the Cyprus problem was assessed. According to the illegal T/C radio station Bayrak (25.10.09) the meeting was attended by many Turkish ambassadors to various countries.

Meanwhile, the T/C leader had a series of contacts with the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkey during his visit to Ankara on 30 October 2009.

Meetings between Christofias and Talat

Six meetings were held (2, 6, 13, 17, 20 and 24 November 2009) between President Christofias and the T/C leader in the framework of the second round of direct talks for resolving the Cyprus problem. The first four meetings focused on the chapter of property, the meeting of 20th November covered procedural matters of the negotiations and the last meeting focused on the issues of aliens, citizenship, immigration and asylum. Furthermore, in statements after the meeting of 6th November, President Christofias said the categorisation of properties had begun, noting: “we made a move forward today but many things still need to be done”.

Ban – Papandreou meeting

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, speaking after his meeting with the Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou in Athens on 5 November, noted the need to maintain the existing momentum regarding the Cyprus problem. The UN Chief said that despite the many challenges he remained reservedly optimistic about the prospect of a settlement of the Cyprus problem. Speaking before the Greek Parliament, Mr Ban pointed out that “we are faced with a unique opportunity to resolve this matter”.

President Christofias rejects Erdogan’s proposal for a quintet summit

The proposal of the Turkish Premier Tayyip Erdogan for a quintet summit on the Cyprus problem has been resubmitted in the past, President Christofias underlined, repeating that he would never accept strict timeframes, arbitration or a Burgenstock-type process. “A quintet summit means two communities, the downgrading of the Republic of Cyrus, and this cannot be accepted”, President Christofias pointed out, adding that he had conveyed that position to the Turkish Premier when the latter suggested the quintet meeting. (18.11.2009)

President Christofias meets UN Secretary-General

The President of the Republic had a half-hour meeting with the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, on 29 November, on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Commonwealth supports a just settlement of the Cyprus problem

The leaders of the Commonwealth countries expressed their support for the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus.

In the Concluding Remarks of the CHOGM 2009 on Cyprus, the Commonwealth leaders express their support for a lasting, just and functional settlement based on the principles of the United Nations Charter, the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and the principles of the Commonwealth. (29.11.2009)

Christofias-Talat meetings continue – Decision to intensify talks

President Christofias and the T/C leader Mehmet Ali Talat had five meetings (1,3,9,14 and 21) in December 2009 within the framework of the UN-led direct negotiations for a settlement. During these meetings they discussed the issues of settlers, governance, citizenship, asylum, immigrants, migration and economy. During the meeting of 21st December the two leaders drafted a joint statement in which they reconfirmed their earlier decision to intensify their efforts by meeting on 11, 12, 13 and 18, 19, 20 of January 2010.

UN Secretary-General’s Report to Security Council

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon submitted to the Security Council, on 3.12.2009, his second Report about his good offices mission covering the period 10/5 – 25/11/2009. Mr Ban also submitted his Report about the UN operation in Cyprus, in which he recommends the renewal of UNFICYP’s mandate for the next six months, until the 15th of June 2010. Moreover, Mr Downer informed, in the beginning of December 2009, the five permanent members of the Security Council about the course of the negotiations in Cyprus.

Renewal of UNFICYP Mandate – Resolution 1898

The UN Security Council adopted on 14.12.2009 Resolution 1898 for the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). The resolution was adopted by 14 votes in favour and one vote against, by Turkey.

Turkey’s Evaluation by the EU

The EU General Affairs Council adopted on 8.12.2009 its conclusions in the framework of a discussion on the European Union enlargement. The references to Cyprus in the Conclusions concern Paragraphs 12, 13 and 14. In statements on 8.12.12009, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Markos Kyprianou described the document as “the strongest we ever had” and said that the Republic of Cyprus made a unilateral declaration with which it officially stated that it will not give its consent to the opening of six chapters unless Turkey’s obligations, as recorded in the 2005 Declaration are fulfilled. Analyzing the issue of the chapters, Mr Kyprianou explained that out of Turkey’s 35 negotiation chapters, 11 have been opened and 8 relating to the Protocol have been frozen, while France has frozen another 4. “With its statement, Cyprus has frozen 6 out of the remaining 12”, he noted.

Negotiations carry on

On 4.1.2010 President Christofias and the T/C leader Mehmet Ali Talat have their first meeting of the New Year in the framework of direct negotiations under the UN aegis for resolving the Cyprus problem. The meeting focused on issues relating to governance and the European Union.

Informal Council of Party Leaders

On 10.1.2010 the Informal Party Leaders Council convenes, during which President Christofias informs party leaders on the proposals submitted by Mr Talat regarding the issue of governance. Speaking after the Council, the Government Spokesman Mr Stefanou said these proposals are unacceptable and cannot constitute a basis for discussion. “It was established by everybody”, he continued, “that the proposals are way away from the agreed basis of the negotiations for a solution of bi-communal bi-zonal federation”.

First round of intensive talks

On 11, 12 and 13 of January 2010 meetings are held between President Christofias and Mr Talat in the framework of the first round of intensive talks for a Cyprus settlement. In statements after the first meeting – which lasted nine hours – President Christofias noted that the leaders of the two communities reached an understanding that “nothing is agreed or will be agreed unless everything is agreed”.

At the meeting of 12 January 2010, President Christofias submits a document with the positions of the G/C side on the issue of governance.

The third meeting, of 13 January 2010, concludes the first phase of intensive talks. During this meeting the two leaders exchange views on the chapter of governance and power sharing.

On 15 January the National Council convenes to discuss the first phase of intensive talks. After the meeting, the Government Spokesman read out to the press the joint communiqué issued by the National Council members.

President Christofias in Athens

The President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias paid a working visit to Greece. During a meeting he had on 18.1.2010 with the Greek Prime Minister Mr George Papandreou, they decided that the Greek government would be setting up a team of law experts to assist the Greek Cypriot negotiating team in talks for a solution of the Cyprus problem.

On 20.1.2010 a letter by the President of the Republic, with which he condemns the unacceptable Turkish proposals on the Cyprus problem, was given to publicity.

Second round of intensive talks

On 25, 26 and 27 January, the second round of intensive talks on the Cyprus problem between the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat took place. During the three all-day meetings, the issues of governance and power sharing were discussed. At the last meeting, it was decided to extend the second round by one day, and so there was a meeting on 29.1.2010.

The UN Secretary General visits Cyprus

The UN Secretary General Mr Ban Ki-moon paid a visit to Cyprus from 31.1. 2010 - 2.2.2010 and held meetings with President Christofias and the T/C leader Mr Talat.

In a statement on his arrival at Larnaca airport, Mr Ban Ki-moon said that he came to Cyprus to show his personal support for the process of negotiations for the solution to the Cyprus problem and the reunification of the island.

In a press conference (1.2.2010), the UN Secretary General read a joint statement by the leaders of the two communities, which stated, inter alia, that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed".


Christofias-Talat joint statement, ECHR decision

Three meetings were held in March (4/3, 16/3 and 30/3) between the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Talat, in the framework of direct talks for a Cyprus settlement. After the meeting of 30 March 2010, the last before the “elections” in the occupied areas, Mr Alexander Downer read out a joint statement by the leaders of the two communities.

Meanwhile, on 5 March 2010 the European Court of Human Rights issued a decision deeming the so-called “immovable property commission” in the occupied areas as accessible and effective legal remedy.

Official visit of Papandreou to Cyprus

The Prime Minister of Greece Mr George Papandreou paid a visit to Cyprus from 11-12 April 2010. During his stay on the island, he participated in a meeting at the Presidential Palace, presided over by the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias with the participation of the members of the Informal Party Leaders’ Council. In a statement, Mr Papandreou assured that Greece, despite the problems it is facing, firmly supports Cyprus and is ready to provide every possible assistance for a Cypriot and European solution.

Eroglu, the new leader of the Turkish Cypriot community

On 18 April, the so called “presidential elections” took place at the Turkish occupied areas. The leader of the National Unity Party Mr Dervis Eroglu won the elections securing 50,38% of the votes. His main opponent, Mr Talat, secured 42,85% of the votes and other candidates received smaller percentages.

In a statement, the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative in Cyprus, Mr Tayé Brook Zerihoun said that the United Nations expect the talks to continue from where they were left off, on the basis of the parameters agreed to. (22.04.2010)

President Christofias had a telephone conversation with the UN Secretary General Mr Ban Ki-moon, during which he expressed the hope that the new leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Dervis Eroglu will observe the agreed basis and the talks will resume from the point they left off.

''The Secretary General of the UN expressed gratification and welcomed the immediate declaration and commitment of the President of the Republic, after the change in the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community, to continue the talks for a solution to the Cyprus problem, on the basis of the UN Security Council resolutions and on all that has been agreed on between the two communities as the basis of the negotiations”.

UN Secretary-General Report

On 20 May 2010, the UN Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki-Moon submitted to the UN Security Council the Report on his Mission of Good Offices in Cyprus, in which the course of the talks as well as the progress made in various negotiation chapters are recorded. In his Report the Secretary-General invites the two leaders to resume the talks from the point they left off. Moreover, there is a reference to the change in the Turkish Cypriot leadership and the hope is expressed that a solution can be achieved by the end of 2010.

Resumption of the talks

The new round of the intercommunal talks started on 26 May 2010, with the newly-elected Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Dervis Eroglu, giving assurances that, despite the change in the T/C leadership, negotiations would continue from the point they left off two months before. At the first meeting, the subject of discussion was the property issue on which President Christofias requested and received reconfirmation of the issues on which convergence was already achieved.

Official visit of Erdogan to Athens

On 14 May 2010, the Turkish Prime Minister, Mr Tagip Erdogan, visited Athens where he had a meeting with his Greek counterpart, Mr George Papandreou. After the meeting Messers Papandreou and Erdogan referred extensively to the recent developments on the Cyprus issue. Mr Papandreou stressed that Greco-Turkish relations will not be normalized as long as there are occupation troops in Cyprus, adding that Turkey has a crucial role to play in the achievement of a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem. The Turkish Prime Minister stressed the need for the leaders of the two communities to continue the efforts of finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

President of the Republic of Serbia visits Nicosia

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Mr Boris Tadic, paid a two day official visit (20-21 May) to Cyprus, during which he expressed his country’s support for the efforts of the Greek Cypriot side to achieve a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, noting that Serbia will never recognize the pseudo-state in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus.

UN Secretary – Report on the UNFICYP

On 28 May 2010, the UN Secretary-General submitted to the Security Council the Report on the United Nations operation in Cyprus, in which he welcomes the hope expressed by the leaders of the two communities, for a solution to be achieved by the end of 2010. At the same time, he recommends the renewal of the mandate of the UN Peacemaking Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for a further six months. The UN Security Council adopted the Resolution 1930 (15 June 2010), by which the mandate of UNFICYP is renewed for another six months.

Official visit of Pope Benetict XVI

On 4-6 June 2010, His Holiness Pope Benetict XVI paid an official visit in Cyprus. President Christofias, addressing to the Pope, asked for His support in the efforts for the solution to Cyprus problem. The Pope in return called on President Christofias to continue to work sincerely, for the good of society as a whole.

Kyprianou – Lavrov meeting

On 21 June 2010, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Markos Kyprianou, had a meeting in Moscow with his Russian counterpart, Mr Sergey Lavrov. In his statements, Mr Lavrov underlined that Russia supports the position that the solution of the Cyprus problem must be the outcome of an agreement between the two communities, in the framework defined by the UN Resolutions, without timeframes. Mr Kyprianou expressed Cyprus’ appreciation for Russia’s stance to the latest UN Security Council Resolution on the renewal of the mandate of the UN Peacemaking Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

Postponement of the meeting between the two leaders

President Christofias requested the postponement of the meeting with the T/C leader, Mr Dervis Eroglu, scheduled for the 3rd of June. President Christofias took this decision, due to statements made by Mr Eroglu before the meeting, in which he questioned the basis on which the talks are conducted.

Meetings – Property issue

After the postponement of the meeting on the 3rd of June, the leaders of the two communities, Mr Demetris Christofias and Dervis Eroglu, had two meetings (15 and 23 June), the main subject of which was the property issue. The two sides submitted their positions and decided that they would continue their discussions on the same chapter.

Eroglu – UN Secretary-General meeting in New York

On 28 June 2010, the T/C leader, Mr Dervis Eroglu had a meeting with the UN Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki-moon, in New York. During the meeting, Mr Eroglu asked the Secretary-General to impose a timeframe on the talks so that they may be concluded by the end of 2010. Furthermore, the T/C leader proposed to the UN Secretary-General a three-party meeting to be held in September, with the participation of President Christofias.

Christofias – Papandreou meeting

In the framework of a brief stopover in Larnaca, en route to Israel, the Greek Prime Minister, Mr George Papandreou, had a private meeting with the President of the Republic, Mr Demetris Christofias. During the meeting, they decided to coordinate the two countries efforts with the aim to promote the proposals that President Christofias submitted to the T/C side. (21/07/2010)

President Christofias’ package of proposals

President Christofias and the T/C leader, Mr Dervis Eroglu, had three meeting on 9, 22 and 28 July, the main subject of which was the property issue. At the meeting, President Christofias submitted a package of proposals, which focused on three axes:

A) The linkage of the discussion of the property issue with the chapter of territorial adjustments and the chapter of immigration, nationality, aliens and asylum. This proposal has not been accepted by the T/C side so far, even though it proclaims that it wants a solution by the end of 2010, the Government Spokesman Mr Stefanos Stefanou stressed on 16.07.2010.

B) The implementation, on the part of Turkey, of UN Security Council Resolution 550 of 1984, for the return of the fenced city of Famagusta to the United Nations. At the same time, the restoration of the old city of Famagusta as well as the opening of the port of Famagusta, under the aegis of the European Union was proposed. The Government Spokesman has started that, if this proposal is accepted by the T/C side and is implemented, it will benefit both the T/C community and Turkey, who wishes to promote its accession course by unfreezing chapters as well as the EU, who wishes the continuation of Turkey’s accession course.

C) The arranging of an international conference, when the two sides reach a range of agreement on the internal aspects, which will be summoned by the United Nations with the participation of the five Permanent Members of the Security Council, the EU, the Guarantor Powers, the Republic of Cyprus and the two communities. The subject matter of the international conference would be the international aspect of the Cyprus problem and the resolution of this aspect, which comprises security, guarantees, the presence of foreign troops in Cyprus and settlers.

Russia supports Christofias’ proposals

Russian MFA Spokesman, Ambassador Mr Andrei Nesterenko, stated that Russia supports a stable, fair and viable solution to the Cyprus problem based on the voluntary consent of the Greek and Turkish communities. Mr Nesterenko described the new initiatives of President Christofias as “an important step towards the acceleration of the negotiation process”, and said that “attempts to impose timeframes and introduce an external arbitration, whatsoever, are counterproductive”.

President Christofias – Dervis Eroglu meetings

The President of the Republic, Mr Demetris Christofias, and the T/C leader, Mr Dervis Eroglu, had three meetings during August (4, 10 and 31 August), which focused on the property issue. At the same time, it was agreed that three meetings would be held in September, two of which would last all day.

President Christofias briefed the overseas Cypriots

The 23rd Conference of the Executive Councils POMAK and PSEKA and the 5th World Conference of NEPOMAK was held in Nicosia on 24 – 28 August 2010. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the President of the Republic referred to the developments in the intercommunal talks, and called on Turkey to come at the negotiating table with reasonable proposals in order to speed up the negotiations process for the achievement of a solution at the Cyprus problem. Moreover, a recorded message of the US Secretary of State, Mrs Hillary Clinton, was presented at the Conference, in which she said that the leaders of the two communities must remain focused on the process of the complicated, as she described them, negotiations.

Official visit of the Belgian Foreign Affairs Minister

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of Belgium, Mr Steven Vanackere, paid a two-day visit in Cyprus on 26 – 27 August 2010. Mr Vanackere had a meeting with his Cypriot counterpart, Mr Markos Kyprianou, who briefed him about the recent developments in the Cyprus issue. In his statements, Mr Vanackere said that President Christofias’ initiative of submitting a package of proposals is a very interesting and clear sign that the willingness to go forward is still present.




Last update: 02 September 2010