2-27-07, 8:11 am

Decision of the plenary session of the Central Committee of AKEL Nicosia 21/2/2007

The Plenary Session of the C.C. of AKEL during its meeting today discussed and assessed the current situation surrounding the Cyprus problem. The discussion was conducted on the basis of the introductory speech made by the G.S. of the C.C. of AKEL. After the completion of the discussion the Plenary of the Central Committee unanimously approved the following decision:

1. It rejects and condemns the threats being launched against the Republic of Cyprus by Turkey and the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community in relation to the exploration for the excavation of petrol in the sea-coast region of Cyprus. These threats are illegal, unfounded and indefensible. They harm the efforts for the resumption of a new negotiating process and demonstrate the negative intentions of Turkey.

2. As everyone, apart from Turkey, acknowledges the conclusion of agreements with neighbouring states for the demarcation of the exclusive economic zone constitutes a sovereign right of the Republic of Cyprus. As far as the Turkish Cypriot community is concerned, we underline that it will also benefit from any possible successful outcome of the whole effort when the Cyprus problem is solved.

3. The Central Committee extends once again a call towards the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community and Turkey for cooperation aiming at the creation of the preconditions that will enable the resumption of a substantial dialogue on the Cyprus problem.

The 8th of July 2006 Agreement represents a step in the right direction. Its implementation aims at preparing the ground for the resumption of a comprehensive negotiating procedure, as well as the building of trust between the two communities and the solution of day-to-day issues.

Unfortunately seven months after the achievement of the agreement the working groups and technical committees have not yet started functioning.

The Central Committee makes a plea for the overcoming of whatever obstacles exist and for the immediate resumption of the working of the committees. Only through this way will the deadlock be overcome and time will begin to be utilised in the direction of making the appropriate preparation for a new comprehensive initiative.

4. Another issue on which efforts need to be made concerning the creation of appropriate preparation which will enable the solution of the Cyprus problem is the issue of the opening of the Ledra Street check point. If the opening of the specific check point is finally accomplished, a serious step in the building of trust will have been achieved. The military disengagement in the area is a must for a positive outcome of the effort.

5. The C.C. of AKEL recognises the objective difficulties which exist in the effort to promote the Cyprus problems in the coming months. Presidential elections will be held in Turkey In the first six months of 2007, whilst in September of the same year parliamentary elections will also take place. In February 2008 Presidential elections will be held in the Republic of Cyprus. These successive election campaigns encumber the efforts for the resumption of an all-round negotiating process of the United Nations, aiming at the achievement of an agreed solution on the Cyprus problem. Despite the objective difficulties, the C.C. of AKEL states its readiness to exploit possible opportunities that might come up on the Cyprus problem.

At the same time it stresses that 2007 must be utilised to prepare the ground and bridge the gap between the views of the two communities. Such a development is imperative because Cyprus does not have the luxury of seeing a new effort fail.

6. The continuous and intensified efforts for the promotion of the external trade of the Turkish Cypriots and especially with the European Union are being upgraded. The C.C. of AKEL stresses that whatever efforts are initiated must be undertaken within the framework of the respect to the Republic of Cyprus as the sole state on the island and as equal member of the European Union and should enhance the cause of reunification. The well-known proposal of the Government for the opening of the port of Famagusta, in combination with the return of the lawful inhabitants of the city, would constitute a fair compromise and a realistic tackling of the issue.

7. The Central Committee of AKEL addresses the Cypriot people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, and reassures that it will continue with a greater intenseness the effort for the achievement of an agreed solution on the Cyprus problem. AKEL will continue and intensify its meetings with Turkish Cypriot parties. We are convinced that such meetings are extremely useful. Through these meetings the mutual trust is built, which creates a more favourable climate for the efforts to promote the solution of the Cyprus problem. AKEL welcomes the agreement reached between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parties for the organisation of specific bi-communal initiatives. It states that it will work towards the implementation of the agreed.