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LETTER TO OUR TURKISH-CYPRIOT COMPATRIOTS
Dear Compatriots,
A crucial phase in the century long history
of Cyprus has come to an end with the Copenhagen decision on December
13. Our homeland was accepted in the big family of the European
nations, with all what that means for the future prosperity, security
and progress for all its inhabitants.
The decision took into consideration all that
have come in place since 1974. And while it included the whole
of Cyprus as an equal partner, it decided that the European Rules
and Aqui Communitaire will be implemented on the territories which
are under the control of the legal government of the Republic
of Cyprus, while it decided to temporarily hold the implementation
of these provisions on the occupied territories; these provisions
shall be enforced when a solution is found. The procedure which
will follow with the signature of the treaty of accession, its
acceptance, and the final entry of Cyprus in the E.U. on May 2004
will close this chapter.
We have observed with great interest the positions
of the new Turkish Government which expressed its wish to find
a solution to the Cyprus problem. We noticed especially the position
of the Turkish Foreign Minister that the problem should be solved
before the signature of the treaty of accession so that the Turkish
occupation forces of an independent state will not convert themselves
into occupation forces of E.U. territory, with the consequences
that this will mean to the European course of the Turkey itself.
Similarly we have observed the big demonstrations
you have held so as to immediately find a solution to the Cyprus
problem and that you participate through a re-unified Cyprus to
the E.U. Your platforms "this land is ours" and "our
common vision" has showed us your declared wish to work for
building a re-unified homeland.
Obstacle to all these has been the out of time
insistence and intransigence of Mr. Rauf Denktash, who refuses
to accept the will of the International and European community,
the government of Turkey, you the Turkish-Cypriots and us the
Greek-Cypriots -i.e. the legal inhabitants of the island- for
a honorable, just, and long-lasting solution that will come about
through negotiations.
This out of time insistence must stop. And you
have the strength with the support of so many outside forces to
achieve it.
In order that finally the road will be opened
to solve this long-lasting problem, we call upon you to work so
as not to miss our new appointment of February 28, which has been
set by the UN Secretary General and was repeated in the E.U. decision.
For us the Anan plan is a basis for negotiation.
A plan that can conclude into a long-lasting, just, and workable
solution provided that during the negotiations the principles
of international and UN law are taken into consideration, as well
as Human Rights, the Aqui Communitaire, the relevant UN resolutions
on Cyprus, the high level agreements between our two communities,
the need for both of us to live in security, and the feeling that
justice has prevailed. The positive elements of the plan should
become more and replace negative aspects. We should achieve the
withdrawal of the occupation forces and the illegal settlers.
We should achieve a re-unified Cyprus with a Federal structure
that guarantees one international personality, one indivisible
sovereignty, one citizenship, and which rejects any groundless
thought for separate states or con-federation. A Cyprus which
has consciously chosen a European course and perspective, will
create the guarantees for all the island's citizens respect for
Human Rights and basic freedoms, and especially will guarantee
the implementation in the whole of the Cyprus territory the freedoms
of ownership, movement and residence. And all these will work
with a truly Federal, Democratic and Functional system of government.
This country is ours ! All of us ! All the Cypriots
!
The Federation of Cypriot Organizations in Greece
Athens, 17/12/02
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