Yermasoyia, Cyprus. Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said developments involving the United Nations and the European Union have created a new political environment for the Cyprus problem, as the government continues efforts to resume substantive negotiations.
Speaking at a memorial service for the fallen of Yermasoyia on Sunday, Letymbiotis cited the UN Secretary-General’s initiative, the appointment of a European Commission envoy and increased EU involvement.
Diplomatic efforts
Letymbiotis said the government remained committed to resuming substantive negotiations while the UN Secretary-General’s initiative was under way.
He said the government would use every diplomatic tool, possibility and window of opportunity in pursuit of a solution.
The involvement of the UN and the EU represented two important international pillars operating together, he said, adding that the developments resulted from a consistent diplomatic strategy.
Settlement framework
Letymbiotis said any solution to the Cyprus problem must follow the agreed framework established by United Nations Security Council resolutions and be compatible with international law, EU principles and values, the acquis and EU law.
He reiterated that the government would not accept a settlement outside the existing framework, saying that anachronistic guarantees did not fit into 21st-century Europe.
The objective remained the creation of a European state in which all Cypriots would enjoy equal rights, he said.
Opposition position
Akel Secretary-General Stefanos Stefanou, speaking at a memorial service in Kokkinotrimithia, said preserving the existing negotiating acquis was essential for progress.
He said that continuing negotiations from the point where talks were interrupted also required preserving the convergences achieved during previous negotiations.
