64th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, New York, 24 September 2009
(Part 2 of 2)
See part 1 at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvYVU4EeUkE
Selected extracts from the address (of part 2):
Unfortunately, despite our common efforts, the Turkish Cypriot side, supported by Turkey, continues to present positions and proposals which lead us outside the framework of the United Nations Resolutions on Cyprus with regard to the termination of military occupation, the illegal possession of properties and the presence of settlers.
Possible acceptance of these positions would lead to an acceptance of many of the consequences of the occupation and to violations of international Conventions on human rights, basic freedoms and the principles on which federations are built.
It is clear that such a solution would be neither viable, nor functional, and would not ensure the continuing unity of the state and the country.
We sincerely hope that during the second round of
negotiations, which has just started, there will be a
reconsideration of Turkish positions, so that we can, as soon as possible, reach an agreed solution which we can then present to the people in separate simultaneous referenda.
This solution must be by the Cypriots, for the Cypriots.
It is evident that we will not present the people with a
solution originating from outside and neither can we
accept arbitration and exercise of pressure through
artificial time-tables.
These preconditions were agreed with the Secretary-General under whose auspices the negotiations are taking place.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank once again the Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon for his Good Offices Mission and for the role of the United Nations as a facilitator in the negotiating process.
After the 1974 invasion and the occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, Turkey has become a key player for the solution of the Cyprus problem. The success of our efforts for a solution of the problem depends on Turkey's political will and the policies it implements. It is not enough for the Turkish leadership to publicly state that it supports the negotiating process.
Turkey should contribute in a practical way to a solution of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality as defined in the relevant Security Council resolutions.
Instead Turkey pursues a confederal solution.
A good will measure on the part of Turkey would have been the implementation of SC Resolution 550 of 1984 which stipulates the transfer of the occupied ghosttown of Varoshia to the administration of the United Nations and the return of its legal inhabitants to their homes and properties. In addition, Turkey should proceed with the normalization of its relations with the Republic of Cyprus as well as with its recognition as stipulated by the decisions of the European Union.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I ask you: Is it not a paradox for a country that is a member of the Security Council not to recognize the Republic of Cyprus, a member-state of the United Nations, the European Union and of all nternational organizations?
Is it not a paradox for a member of the Security Council to maintain occupation troops for 35 years on the territory of another UN member state, and a member state of the European Union'?
Is it not a paradox to undermine the unity and the
territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus by promoting the creation of a second state on the island in violation of Security Council Resolution 541 of 1983 whichnanimously condemns the illegal UDI, calling it null and void, and calls on all states to respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus?
Yes, it is a paradox and it is also illegal.
In fact it is an anomaly!
Full text available at:
http://www.un.org/ga/64/generaldebate/CY.shtml
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Dimitris Christofias: We do not have the luxury to fail (2)by CouncilofEurope5,528 views
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