By Martin Banks - 2nd September 2010
The first reaction of the international community to our proposals is very positive
Demetris Christofias
Cyprus president Demetris Christofias has described the first reaction of the international community on his proposals for speeding up talks on the Cyprus problem is "very positive".
He said the three proposals he recently tabled aim to address Turkey's "intransigent" stance on the issue.
"he first reaction of the international community to our proposals is very positive," he said.
Christofias, who was addressing a rally in Cyprus, referred to his proposal to convene an international conference on the international aspects of the issue which will include the issues of guarantees, security and the withdrawal of foreign troops and settlers.
He said that the Greek Cypriot side has asked for the internal aspects of the Cyprus issue to be of 'Cypriot property' because "we have the bad experience of 2004 of arbitration and imposing of solution plans from outside".
"If we want to deny this Cypriot property we can do it, but we should expect arbitration and pressure for imposition of a solution plan from outside. If we want that, we can do it, but I assure you, I will not," he added.
His first proposal suggests the linking of the discussion of three of the chapters of the Cyprus problem, those dealing with property, territory and immigration, for easing the resolution of the thorny chapter of properties and for expediting the dialogue.
The second urges Turkey to apply UN security council resolution 550, which calls for the transfer of the fenced off area of Varosha, in Famagusta, to the administration of the UN.
Part of this proposal is the opening of the port of Famagusta under EU auspices to benefit the Turkish Cypriots.
The third is to convene an international conference when within range of an agreement on the internal aspects of the Cyprus problem.
Christofias thanked the European parliament for its continuous "support for justice in Cyprus".
Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. It takes over the rotating EU council presidency next year.
UN-led talks began in September 2008 between Christofias and former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat. Talks continue now with Eroglu, who succeeded Talat in April this year.
UN security council resolution 550 (1984) condemns all secessionist actions, including the purported exchange of ambassadors between Turkey and the pseudo-state, declares them illegal and invalid and calls for their immediate withdrawal.
Turkey has so far not complied with any of the UNSC resolutions.
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