YouSaid · the spoken record

GLAFCOS CLERIDES

lines on the record: 188
first: 1993-09-24
most recent: 2001-09-24
sittings or episodes: 8
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“This growth will be even greater for our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, who are currently suffering because of the dire political and economic situation in the occupied area. Tragically, almost 50 per cent have been forced to take the cruel road of emigration. The Turkish Cypriots will benefit considerably from the accession of our country to the European Union. I urge Mr. Denktash to realize that he and I are not getting any younger and that we owe it to the younger generations of Cypriots to do away with the walls of division. For my part, I reiterate my readiness to engage in the process of negotiations with the necessary political will and good faith for finding a fair and viable solution based on the United Nations resolutions, meeting the legitimate interests of all Cypriots.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“I urge them to consider the obvious advantages of the solution of the Cyprus problem for stability in our region, the consolidation of the Greco-Turkish rapprochement and the promotion of Turkey’s aspirations to join the process of European integration. I urge the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Denktash, to join me in sharing the vision of a Cyprus too small to be divided but huge for the common prosperity of all its inhabitants. I urge him to look to the future and not to the past, to listen to the increasingly desperate voices of our Turkish Cypriot compatriots and stop placing obstacles, at each turn, to the good offices of the Secretary-General for a solution to the Cyprus problem. It is noteworthy that the economic prospects for a post-settlement Cyprus are truly impressive.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“In the face of current difficulties, we do not despair. Our vision for Cyprus is a departure from the passions of the past. History is often described as the best teacher of wise men. We see as the future of our country: a reunited federal State, member of the European Union, with human and other rights of each and every citizen fully protected under the process of democracy and the rule of law. We see a State with a single citizenship, sovereignty and international personality, a demilitarized State enjoying the fruits of its labours in the wider European family, while at the same time playing its rightful role in our immediate region of the Eastern Mediterranean. I recommend to the leadership of Turkey that it abandon its threats to annex the occupied part of Cyprus.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“I would like to refer to the purely humanitarian problem of missing persons, the resolution of which remains one of the most pressing issues for the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and for all Cypriots. Unfortunately, Mr. President, I must once again report to you that the agreement on missing persons of 31 July 1997 between Mr. Rauf Denktash and myself, providing for the exchange of information and for information on the location of graves of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot missing persons, has not been implemented because of the continuing negative attitude of the Turkish side. We appeal again to the Government of Turkey to show the necessary political will in order to bring a final solution to this tragic humanitarian issue and abide by the l0 May 2001 judgement of the European Court of Human Rights.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The Turkish side is also calling the international community to accept the so-called realities, which is the legalization of Turkey’s occupation of 37 per cent of Cypriot territory, in breach of international law, the forceful expulsion of Greek Cypriot refugees from the occupied area and the subsequent importation of 120,000 settlers from mainland Turkey in an effort to change the 3 demographic character of Cyprus. As is well known, the international community, through a plethora of United Nations resolutions, has repeatedly rejected this policy. Acceptance of these so-called realities would create a very dangerous precedent in international affairs, striking at the very heart of the cherished principles of State sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The Secretary-General is now trying to invigorate the process of negotiation. Therefore, in order to facilitate the Secretary-General’s effort, I will refrain from making remarks that normally I would have made, other than to identify the reason for the failure to make progress, which is the lack of political will on the part of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Denktash. The Turkish side has abandoned the concept of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal Cyprus, which Security Council resolutions have provided as the basis for the solution.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“We support respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right of return of refugees and the return of property of displaced persons, and the principle of the inviolability of borders and territorial integrity. Resolution of the Cyprus problem is long overdue. I cannot conceal my deep disappointment, shared by the Security Council in its statement to the Press of 26 September, at the refusal of the Turkish side to continue with the proximity talks to help the Secretary-General’s efforts to find a comprehensive settlement. The refusal of Turkish Cypriot leader Mr. Denktash, with the support of Ankara, to resume the talks that he abandoned a year ago, despite the official invitation extended by the Secretary-General in September, is particularly disturbing.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“We urge both parties to work immediately towards finding ways to put an end to this cycle of violence and to respect the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention. We consider the implementation of the recommendations of the Mitchell report as an absolutely necessary first step in this direction. Cyprus reiterates its long-held position for the implementation of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). We follow the situation in the Balkans with particular interest. Cyprus supports the implementation of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) on Kosovo. We hope that the forces of peace and reconciliation will prevail and welcome the recent positive developments in the country.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The tragic events of 11 September have highlighted the need to continue and accelerate efforts to prevent and resolve regional conflicts. The inability of the international community to put an end to the unacceptable situation in the Middle East undermines the credibility of the system of collective security. Cyprus, as a neighbouring country with close relations to the peoples of the region, is particularly pained by the continuing cycle of violence, the tragic loss of innocent human lives and the plight of the Palestinian population. We look forward to a region living in peace, stability and security for all States, including the State of Israel. We reiterate our support for the fulfilment of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the creation of their own State.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“At the beginning of this new millennium, we have a special obligation to place new emphasis on the promotion and the protection of human rights and the defeat of terrorism. However, the adoption of declarations and legal instruments in the area of human rights is not enough. We need to make accountable those violators of human rights and decisively strike at the culture of impunity. This is why Cyprus strongly supports the early entry into force of the International Criminal Court. We are also deeply concerned with the increasing number and scope of humanitarian emergencies leading to an ever-rising number of refugees and internally displaced persons. The plight of these unfortunate people merits special attention and coordinated action.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“That is why we consider it imperative and the duty of each and every Member to provide the necessary resources and support to our Organization. Cyprus strongly supports the implementation of the commitments we undertook last year in the Millennium Declaration. We also advocate the strengthening and rationalization of the United Nations system, and we welcome the commitment of the Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, to strive for a better and more just world. We congratulate him on the award of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, which is well- deserved recognition of the central role of the United Nations and a tribute to its achievements, as well as to his personal devotion and commitment.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“It has ratified or acceded to nine of the 12 international conventions pertaining to international terrorism. Furthermore, we expect an early ratification of the most recent Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, which is already before the House of Representatives. The Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cyprus approved on 20 September a comprehensive proposal for the establishment of a task force to combat international terrorism. The United Nations continues to be faced with old and new tasks: globalization, good governance, protection of the environment and the need for sustainable development. The elimination of poverty and pandemics, securing a world free from the threat of 2 weapons of mass destruction and maintaining international peace and security remain high on the agenda.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“On behalf of the Government and people of Cyprus, I reiterate our deep condolences and sympathy to the American people for the tragic loss of innocent lives caused by the abhorrent terrorist acts of 11 September. We unreservedly condemn these barbaric acts, which we consider to be attacks against the values and principles of humanity. The community of nations must individually and collectively take concerted and resolute action against terrorism. We believe that there is no justification or excuse for terrorism and, at the same time, we reject any notion of linking this scourge with any particular religious faith or ethnic group. We renew our commitment to implement fully Security Council resolutions on terrorism, in particular resolution 1373 (2001). Cyprus is actively participating in the common effort.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to you, Mr. President, on your well-deserved election as President of the fifty-sixth session of the General Assembly. I also extend my appreciation to your predecessor, Mr. Harri Holkeri, for his effective leadership during his presidency. The heinous terrorists attacks of 11 September have undeniably transformed international relations. The United Nations is called upon to reinforce its primary role as the standard bearer of the principles that will shape the new environment and unite humanity in the pursuit of justice, tolerance, the dignity of human beings, respect for human rights, the promotion of peace and zero-tolerance for the dark forces of terrorism.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“In the effort for the solution of the Cyprus problem, as a small State, Member of the United Nations, we rely on the support of the international community and the United Nations. We look upon its Charter as a beacon of justice, and on the United Nations as the hope for a better future.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“I honestly believe that within the parameters of the Security Council resolutions we can find a solution which will safeguard the legitimate interests of both communities and bring peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. 7 I wish also to repeat my invitation to the Turkish Cypriot community to join forces with us in our European Union accession course. That course, which is the greatest achievement since the establishment of the Cyprus Republic, is continuing with success. Accession to the European Union will benefit both communities equally. The Cyprus problem has often been described as complicated and intractable. I do not share this view. The Cyprus problem can and will be solved if the international community demands its solution with the necessary determination, within the parameters it has set.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“He forgets that the Security Council, by its resolution, deplored the action of the Turkish side of declaring a separate State, and asked all its members not to recognize it, a request with which all complied, with the exception of Turkey, the occupying Power. The parameters for the solution of the Cyprus problem are already in place. They are included in the relevant United Nations resolutions. What is required is the political will of the two sides. I can assure the Assembly that the Greek Cypriot side stands ready to negotiate in good faith so that a bicommunal, bizonal Federal Republic of Cyprus will finally become a reality. I join my voice with those of the G-8, the Security Council and the European Union in asking Mr. Denktash to come to the negotiating table without preconditions.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“It also saddens me when he attempts to set aside the parameters for the solution of the Cyprus problem, set by the international community and the high-level agreements he made before the Secretary-General of the United Nations twice, for a bicommunal, bizonal federation. He attempts now to set new parameters for the solution, based on two separate sovereign States, and to impose their acceptance by refusing to come to the negotiating table unless his conditions are met. In support of his precondition, he advances the argument that the term ”equal political status”, referred to in United Nations resolutions, must be interpreted to mean that his break-away Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus must be recognized, since the Republic of Cyprus is internationally recognized, in order that the two negotiators may have equal status.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Denktash is reported to have refused to respond positively to any initiative to negotiate with me as representative of the Greek Cypriot community, on the pretext that I am also the President of the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus. Time and time again I have explained to him that I sit in the talks not as the President of the Republic of Cyprus, but as the representative of the Greek Cypriot community, because the Security Council resolutions call upon the two communities to negotiate, not upon the State of the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot community.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“It is, therefore, imperative that we find a just, workable and viable solution which will safeguard the human rights of every citizen and heal the wounds of the past, bringing at the same time a sense of security to both communities by providing full disarmament under international supervision. Our side will approach negotiations on the Cyprus problem with courage and flexibility, partly because we recognize that solving it is in the interest of all Cypriots, but also because that will contribute to the overall stability of the region, which is so much demanded by the international community. I regret that Mr.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“It will be supervised by an international force authorized by the Security Council, under terms and conditions so defined as to give the force the right to intervene if it finds that one community, by unlawful acts, puts in danger the safety of the other community or attempts to destroy the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the federal State or destroy the agreements reached. I have stated that both communities must learn from the mistakes of the past and must work hard for the creation of a common and bright future for all, instead of clinging to attitudes which brought about the tragedy in the island.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“My vision for the solution of the Cyprus problem within those parameters requires a partnership of the two communities that would constitutionally provide for the maximum degree of internal self-administration for the two constituent cantons, provinces or states. Adhering to the principle of the equal political status of the constituent parts, it must provide them with the same rights, powers and functions regarding their respective separate internal self-administration. The constitution must also provide for the effective participation of both communities in the federal Government. Such a federation, becoming a member of the European Union, will thrive at home and abroad, enjoying genuine peace, stability and security, based on international law and legality.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“I have already stated publicly, but also to the Secretary-General and to the heads of State or Government of the five permanent members of the Security Council, that we are ready to respond positively to the Secretary-General's invitation to attend the talks and to negotiate a solution to the problem within the 6 parameters established by the international community through Security Council resolutions. The parameters so established provide that Cyprus must be a bicommunal, bizonal federal republic, with a single sovereignty, an international personality and a single citizenship, and that the settlement must exclude union, in whole or in part, with any other country or any form of partition or secession.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The Prime Minister of Turkey knows that the so-called embargo is a result of a decision of the European Court, to the effect that certificates of origin and/or quality issued by the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus cannot be accepted by the European Union, because the State referred to is not recognized. The Prime Minister of Turkey should also be aware that there is a category of reciprocal measures that need to be discussed and resolved, and that the question of the embargo falls in that category.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Denktash, to participate in talks without any preconditions; that is, not to insist on the recognition of the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and not to demand that negotiations be conducted between the two States, instead of communities, as envisaged in the Security Council resolutions. Regrettably, on 16 September the Prime Minister of Turkey, Mr. Ecevit, in a public statement, not only insisted on the two preconditions I have just mentioned, but added that the economic embargo against the Turkish Cypriots must be lifted.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We are currently waiting for the United Nations Secretary-General to issue invitations to both sides to take part in negotiations, under the auspices of the United Nations, in the most ambitious initiative ever undertaken to find a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem. This initiative enjoys the active support of the international community, and particularly the Group of the eight most industrialized countries, the Security Council, the European Union and the Non-Aligned Movement. We are well aware that currently the international community, and especially those States which are in a position to influence the foreign policy of Turkey, are working methodically to persuade Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“This year marks a quarter of a century since the Turkish invasion and unlawful occupation of 37 per cent of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus. I could today, from this podium, point an accusing finger at Turkey and talk at length about the ethnic cleansing it practised against the Greek Cypriots, which resulted in 180,000 Greek Cypriots becoming refugees in their own country. I could bring up the drama of the relatives of the 1,600 Greek Cypriots missing since the invasion of Cyprus by Turkish forces in 1974. I could point out the many violations of human rights of the Greek Cypriots by citing decisions of the European Court and reports of the European Commission of Human Rights, holding Turkey responsible for such violations. Today I will abstain from doing so, because I prefer to look to the future, and not to deal with the past.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Despite the political problems that exist between our respective States, the magnitude of the suffering of the Turkish people has deeply moved the people of Cyprus. I wish to congratulate all those countries which rushed to save Turkish lives, and in particular Greece, which, despite its many differences and problems with Turkey, was one of the first countries to send its teams to work side by side with Turkish teams to rescue the Turkish people who were buried alive under the ruins of the earthquake. I want also to congratulate Turkey for reciprocating in the same manner after the subsequent earthquake in Greece and I wish to salute the new spirit of friendship which has started to emerge between the two countries.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Cyprus welcomes the several United Nations initiatives and recommendations stemming from the follow-up to the report of the Secretary-General concerning Africa. The international community should redouble its efforts to assist the countries of Africa to overcome the ethnic strife and wars; to eradicate poverty; successfully to combat disease; to win the fight against drug trafficking; to obtain sustainable development; and to face the challenges of the future. The recent devastating earthquake that struck Turkey has once more demonstrated the frailty of human beings before nature's incredible power of destruction. I take this opportunity to reiterate to the Turkish people our sympathy for the enormous losses suffered and to urge the international community to lend a helping hand for the reconstruction of the devastated areas.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The international community, as well as the parties involved, have an obligation to create the conditions for reconciliation, so that what has transpired 5 in Kosovo and Yugoslavia in general will never be allowed to take place again. Cyprus fully supports Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) and calls for full respect for the human rights of all Kosovars, irrespective of their origin, as well as for the sovereignty of all States in the region. My Government also welcomes the initiative of the European Union that led to the adoption of the Stability Pact last June as an important initiative that will contribute considerably to the economic and political stabilization of south-eastern Europe and help its peoples construct a new future.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We rejoice at the winds of hope that have recently appeared in the efforts to finally achieve peace in that long-tormented area and welcome the recent Israeli- Palestinian agreement. Cyprus, as a neighbouring State with close relations to the parties involved in the Middle East, reiterates its support for a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement based on the relevant United Nations resolutions and the implementation of the peace accords. The recent tragedy that has unfolded in Kosovo has demonstrated the fragility of peace in the heart of Europe and the imperative need to address a new array of problems that have the potential to destabilize an entire region.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“I would like to reaffirm our support for these efforts including, inter alia, a strengthened review process of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the effective implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. In the field of human rights, the United Nations plays a very special role not only in developing and enhancing the regime of human rights instruments, but also in the prevention of possible violations and the constantly expanding humanitarian relief efforts. On the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, we reaffirm our commitment to the cause of human rights and the promotion of humanitarian law. Cyprus fully supported the adoption of the Statute of a permanent International Criminal Court. Cyprus follows the situation in the Middle East with intense interest.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The Organization's efforts in these areas have been considerable and must not be underestimated. I take this opportunity to reaffirm my Government's strong commitment to the United Nations and our support for the ongoing efforts to reform it, so that it will be able to successfully meet the considerable challenges that lie ahead. Cyprus will work towards the successful conclusion of the Millennium Assembly. We look forward to an interactive Summit. We anticipate an in-depth and result- oriented discussion, with the participation of civil society, during the work of the many special sessions on various facets of the Organization's work. One of the major issues of concern to all humanity is disarmament.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“As we are rapidly approaching the dawn of the new millennium, we have an obligation to reaffirm our commitment to this truly global Organization and to the ideas that have made the United Nations the hope of mankind for a world governed by peace, justice and the rule of law. And yet, the challenges that we face seem at times insurmountable. Our world is characterized by a large array of old and constantly emerging new problems, such as violent international conflicts and internal strife. Moreover, the United Nations has to respond to many challenges, such as the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking, the control of epidemics and natural disasters, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to you, Sir, on your election as President of the General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session. I have no doubt that your long experience and proven diplomatic skills will guide the work of this session to a successful conclusion. Moreover, we interpret your election as a well-deserved recognition of your country, Namibia, for which the Cypriot people entertain feelings of admiration and friendship. I would also like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to your predecessor, Mr. Opertti of Uruguay, for the determined leadership with which he steered the work of the fifty-third session. Cyprus joins other States in extending a warm welcome to the new Members of the United Nations: the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Is it a world of sheer interests and lack of principles, where cold calculations of economic and strategic interests are pre-eminent, or a world governed by justice and respect for human rights, which is the only solution for permanent peace and stability in the world?”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“I reply “Yes” to the resumption of a sustained process of direct negotiations on the basis of Security Council resolutions; I reply “Yes” to avoiding any action that might increase tension and thus jeopardize progress in the negotiating process. We trust that we can rely once again on the active solidarity of Members at this crucial juncture, as the most sacred principles of the United Nations Charter and the credibility of the world public order itself come into focus in this respect. As we approach the new millennium, the leaders of the world must decide what kind of world we want our children and grandchildren to live in.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“In the face of continuous threats against Cyprus by the vastly superior military might of Turkey, whose ultimate aim is to keep the island a perpetual hostage, to destroy its sovereignty and to reduce it to a Turkish protectorate, the strong, principled support of United Nations Members is of paramount importance. At this point, I wish to thank the Foreign Ministers of the five permanent members of the Security Council and the Secretary-General for discussing the Cyprus problem on 24 September 1998 and for issuing a statement calling for an early resumption of a sustained process of direct negotiations between the two communities, reminding them at the same time of the need to achieve a comprehensive political settlement in accordance with Security Council resolutions and to avoid any actions which might increase tension.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“While the Government of the Republic of Cyprus will continue to exercise its sovereign right to strengthen its defences with whatever means it considers necessary for as long as Turkish occupation forces remain in Cyprus, I have not failed, in response to Security Council resolutions, to suggest concrete ways and measures to work for a specific programme of reduction of foreign and local forces and equipment as a necessary preparatory step for the programmed and final withdrawal of all foreign forces and other elements and for the demilitarization of Cyprus. These proposals and suggestions, on our part, are still valid and timely, and as 6 such they remain on the negotiating table. We remain committed to a solution to the problem by peaceful means, and for this a lessening of tension is a necessary ingredient.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The Government of Cyprus is committed to a peaceful solution, on the basis of the United Nations resolutions, which will safeguard the interests and the human rights of all its citizens. We have consistently put forward proposals for the reduction of tension on the island. Tension in Cyprus escalates because of the massive presence of the Turkish occupation forces in the north, their continuous strengthening and upgrading, and the corresponding need the Government of the Republic feels to strengthen its defences. The Security Council, recognizing that the increase in tension is due to the build-up of military forces, has called in a number of its resolutions for the reduction of forces and armaments.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Today, before the representatives of the international community and from the podium of this Assembly, adhering to the will of the international community for an agreed solution to the Cyprus problem within the parameters set forth in United Nations resolutions, as leader of the Greek Cypriot community, I renew my invitation to the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, Mr. Rauf Denktas, to work together for the solution of the Cyprus problem in order to build a happy and prosperous island for our children and future generations. The interests of Cyprus lie in the unity and interaction of the two communities. The continuing tension prevents Cyprus and its people from assuming their rightful role and making their contribution to regional stability and the improvement of Greco-Turkish relations.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“In my investiture speech last February, I extended a hand of friendship and urged the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Denktas, to join me in working together towards finding a solution to the tragic problem of Cyprus for the benefit of all the citizens of the island. Similarly, I invited the Turkish Cypriots to participate as full members in the Cypriot delegation negotiating the accession of Cyprus to the European Union, thus shaping together our positions and common destiny.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“I believe that we, the current generation of leadership, must negotiate a settlement to our decades-old problem that will give all the people of Cyprus a future that will ensure that the bitter experiences of the past cannot and shall not be repeated. We, the older generation of both communities, must close this sad chapter of Cyprus?s history with an agreement between us which will allow generations to come to build and realize the fruits of true partnership, based on mutual respect and political understanding. While we cannot reconcile ourselves with the Turkish invasion and occupation, we are genuinely determined to renew and invigorate bicommunal confidence and trust, cooperation and interaction with our Turkish Cypriot compatriots.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“To be effective, an agreement to this end must produce a settlement that can meet the real life challenges inherent to a small island State. I believe that the gap between what ordinary Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots want and need in a settlement is not so great as it might appear. Both want the same things: peace, prosperity, stability and physical, political, economic and cultural security, including respect for and enjoyment of their homes and properties. I am confident that, working together under the umbrella of the United Nations and with the help of the international community, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can construct a settlement that meets these needs and removes the fears and insecurities that have plagued Cyprus since the middle part of this century. To do this, we must begin serious negotiations.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Such a federation, becoming a member of the European Union, will thrive at home and abroad. 5 One of the questions we should ask when looking at various ideas for a solution is: Do they reasonably meet the needs of the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots, and will they promote stability and encourage cooperation and partnership among the people of Cyprus? It is obvious that a bicommunal solution must be negotiated, not only because all United Nations resolutions so demand, but also because only in negotiations can we work out the practical steps needed to realize a functioning solution. Security for both communities is a fundamental part of any settlement; this will require arrangements special to Cyprus.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bicommunal-bizonal federation requires such a partnership of the two communities as would constitutionally provide for a maximum degree of internal self-administration for the two constituent cantons, provinces or States, and, adhering to the principle of the equal political status of the constituent parts, it must provide them with the same rights, powers and functions regarding their respective separate, internal self- administration. The constitution must also provide for effective participation of the constituent parts in the federal government. It must also secure all fundamental human rights and freedoms for all the citizens of the federation. Above all, it must safeguard the single sovereignty, the indivisibility and the unity of the bicommunal-bizonal federation.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The people of Cyprus, both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, look to us, their leaders, to help shape a future that is better than the present and that will not allow for a repetition of the past. Let me offer my vision for the future. I want all Cypriots to have security in their homes and their communities; I want all Cypriots to pursue their livelihoods free of economic restrictions and the fear of instability; I want all Cypriot children to know their distinct cultural and religious heritage and to be able to carry their identity and political rights into the future without fear of domination from any quarter. The solution to any constitutional problem on the basis of communal or ethnic criteria and federalism contains elements of partnership and political equality of the constituent parts.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The Security Council, the main organ for international peace and security, should proceed to examine how to implement its resolutions as soon as possible. I now want to address the problem of Cyprus, not by looking at the past, but by outlining my goals for the future. The Cyprus problem has been with us for over 40 years. Today, the two communities of Cyprus are led by the generation that was involved in the earliest stages of the Cyprus problem. This generation knows both the joys of friendships that crossed communal lines and the tragedies and suffering that also crossed communal lines. Rauf Denktas¸ and I are both members of this generation, which has seen the best and the worst of the recent history of Cyprus. Our communities have entrusted us with their respective leaderships.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The non-implementation of United Nations resolutions on Cyprus tarnishes the image of the United Nations and its main bodies. The former Secretary-General, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, in one of his reports to the Security Council, identified as a cause of the absence of progress in Cyprus the lack of political will on the part of the Turkish side. With that report the diagnosis of the causes of the failure to make progress towards a solution is completed. Is it too much for the people of Cyprus to ask what the next step will be? Will the United Nations finally take the necessary action to apply the required remedy in order to put an end to the tragedy that has befallen our small State and that has continued for 24 years? The international community should not allow one State to violate for so long its expressed will.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“I could go on giving examples of gross violations of United Nations resolutions by Turkey, but in order to confine myself to the time limits allowed, I will refer only to the latest violation. The recent demand of the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Denktas, in the presence of the Turkish Foreign Minister, violates all United Nations resolutions, which call for a bizonal-bicommunal federation, with a single sovereignty, international personality and citizenship, and is aimed at derailing the negotiating process from the base of the United Nations resolutions on Cyprus, and also at extinguishing the independence of the Republic of Cyprus and creating, under the guise of a Turkish Cypriot Republic, a Turkish colony in Cyprus or, to say the least, a Turkish protectorate.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)