We, as members of CPDC and Apofasi Irinis, stand united in our overwhelming
concern over the continuing political deadlock and the lack of a negotiating process
leading to a comprehensive solution in Cyprus. The prolonged status-quo in Cyprus is
unacceptable, dangerous and unsustainable. It creates a deeper social and cultural
division that affects every aspect of life in our communities. It also hampers economic
opportunities, creates barriers to education and cultural exchange and, most
importantly, prevents the realization of a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous Cyprus.
We strongly believe that the solution of the Cyprus problem is not just desirable, but
essential. Such a solution should address the legitimate concerns and aspirations of
both communities, ensuring political equality, security and mutual respect as well as
their common future within the European Union. As such, it must be rooted in the
principles upon which the EU is founded, i.e. democracy, human rights and the rule of
law.
The need for such a solution is urgent. The longer the status-quo persists, the harder it
becomes for Cypriots to exploit all the remarkable talents inherent in both communities,
to realize their true potential through joint governance and cooperation and to respond
more effectively against global challenges and risks that may lie ahead.
As the Secretary-General H.E. Mr. António Guterres stressed, we also firmly believe
that “the essence of a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem is practically
there”, and a solution based on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political
equality could be found if there is necessary political will and determination. Recent bi-
communal research findings show that there is a clear and growing majority in both
communities that can accept such a solution provided they are given the right
incentives.
In that regard, the High Level Agreements, the Joint Declaration of 11 February 2014,
as well as all prior convergences achieved to date should be upheld by the two sides,
and the comprehensive negotiations should resume from the point they were
terminated in Crans-Montana in line with the six-point framework presented by the
Secretary-General on 30 June 2017, as well as his statement of 25 November 2019,
with a view to achieving a comprehensive and durable settlement to the Cyprus
problem.
However, this time must be different. The negotiations should resume in a phased,
meaningful and results-oriented manner with a mechanism agreed by the parties for
resolving possible impasses, leading to a comprehensive settlement agreement that
would be submitted for the approval of both communities in separate, simultaneous
referenda. As the continuation of the status-quo is unacceptable and unsustainable, it
should not be among possible outcomes. The consequences of a new failure should be
made clear to both sides. We also strongly embrace the Security Council position that
the negotiations should ensure transparency and effective participation of women and
youth as well as members of the civil society.
As a pro-solution Cypriot civil society initiative and a strong supporter of a federal
settlement, we firmly believe that in order to achieve a successful outcome in both
referenda, the respective publics should be well-informed through intensive public
information campaigns throughout the process of negotiations.
To this end, we call upon our leaders, the international community and all stakeholders
to commit themselves to a comprehensive and durable solution of the Cyprus problem
with a sense of urgency, which would be of utmost importance to the future well-being
of both communities.
We would also like to emphasize that we are ready to support the efforts of the newly
appointed Personal Envoy of the UNSG, H.E. Ms. María Ángela Holguín Cuellar, for the
resumption of a renewed process, based on the agreed framework and taking on board
the entire body of work of the negotiations, and commit ourselves to contribute to a
sustainable solution in Cyprus.
Signed by (in alphabetical order)
Pavlos ANASTASIADES
Andreas ASHIOTIS
Derya BEYATLI
Ipek BORMAN
Umut BOZKURT
Barış BURCU
Katie CLERIDES
Emine ÇOLAK
Themos DEMETRIOU
Erhan ERÇİN
Selma EYLEM
Alexandra GALANOU
Andy GEORGIOU
Emete İMGE
Bülent KANOL
Ioannis KASOULIDES
Kikis KAZAMIAS
Gregory KONYALIAN
Meltem ONURKAN SAMANİ
Erato KOZAKOU MARCOULLIS
Burak MAVİŞ
Manthos MAVROMATIS
Nikos MESARITIS
Özdil NAMİ
Charis PSALTIS
Hüseyin SİLMAN
Layık TOPCAN
Alecos TRINGIDES
Bulut UNVAN
Christina VALANIDOU
Androulla VASSILIOU
Mine YÜCEL