[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 126 (Thursday, October 7, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10681-S10682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SPEECH TO THE UNITED NATIONS BY TASSOS PAPADOPOULOS, PRESIDENT OF 
                                 CYPRUS

  Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the importance 
of continuing every effort to help achieve a workable and lasting peace 
for the people of Cyprus.
  I would like to read some of the comments recently delivered by 
Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos in his recent address to the 
United Nations General Assembly.
  As President Papadopolous told members of the General Assembly:

       Surely the aspiration of humanity revolves around achieving 
     the full respect of human rights, democracy, and the rule of 
     law. The collective vision and effort required to fulfill 
     this massive endeavor demands the contribution of all, to the 
     extent of their capabilities.

  The President further stated:

       We are committed and dedicated to a bizonal, bicommunal 
     federal solution that would bring about the reunification of 
     our homeland which would be workable, viable and make a 
     reality the gradual rapprochement of the communities in 
     Cyprus, the social and economic reunification and which will 
     not institute the division of the communities and 
     institutions.

  Cyprus' European Union accession marks a great milestone and the 
beginning of a new era for the people of Cyprus.
  Cyprus and the United States are bound together by common democratic 
traditions, values, ideas and interests. We have a history of working 
together effectively to fight threats to global security. We in the 
United States must continue to push for a peace plan that will be 
acceptable to the people of Cyprus.
  I am firmly convinced that the people of Cyprus want peace. The road 
to peace will only come through a plan that is fair and that is 
workable. I join with the leadership of the Greek American national 
organizations in their commendable efforts to move the peace process 
ahead in a positive and constructive way.
  I ask unanimous consent to print the Record, the recent address by 
the President of Cyprus, Mr. Tassos Papadopoulos to the General 
Assembly of the United Nations.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

    Address by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Tassos 
Papadopoulos, at the General Assembly of the United Nations, September 
                                23, 2004

       Mr. President, I wish to start by conveying to you my most 
     sincere congratulations on your election as President of this 
     session of the General Assembly and wish you every success in 
     steering the work of this august body. I would also like to 
     extend our thanks and appreciation to the President of the 
     58th Session of the General Assembly, especially for his 
     inspired efforts to promote so vigorously the agenda of 
     United Nations reform and the revitalisation of the General 
     Assembly.
       As this is the last Session of the General Assembly ahead 
     of the 2005 Major Event, we must proceed to evaluate the 
     prospect of attaining the ambitious targets we set at the 
     turn of the Millennium. Determining a hierarchy in our 
     priorities and identifying and pursuing specific targets, has 
     been a major step in fostering the values, principles, and 
     objectives embodied in the Millennium Declaration. The Major 
     Event, however, will be the first real assessment of our 
     progress towards the implementation of the Declaration and of 
     the outcome of major world Conferences, and of initiatives 
     such as the one launched by the Presidents of Brazil, France, 
     Chile and the Prime Minister of Spain to eradicate poverty 
     and hunger, as well as the initiative of the Presidents of 
     Finland and Tanzania on the social dimension of 
     globalisation.
       Specifically with regard to the Millennium Development 
     Goals, we believe that the ability to make development on the 
     ground an issue of global concern as a result of these 
     pledges, will measure the ability of the United Nations to 
     induce significant change and advances where they are most 
     needed. At the same time, the achievement of these 
     objectives, which form an essential part of the Millennium 
     Declaration, will judge to a great extent the efficacy of 
     the United Nations in pursuing successfully a global and 
     comprehensive agenda, which pertains to the prosperity of 
     the population of a significant number of its member 
     states.
       The Republic of Cyprus supports the strengthening of the 
     United Nations system through the reform process underway, 
     and looks forward to the Report of the High-Level Panel and 
     the recommendations of the Secretary-General. We attach 
     particular importance to the revitalisation of the General 
     Assembly and to the reform of the Security Council, so that, 
     its structure will reflect contemporary political realities 
     and a more balanced geographical representation. In the 
     spirit of these two principles and with the aim of 
     reinforcing the legitimacy and efficacy of the Council, 
     Cyprus is supportive of increasing both permanent and non-
     permanent membership. In this respect, we believe that the 
     joint French and German position on the enlargement of the 
     Council could provide a basis for achieving the above 
     mentioned objectives.
       We share the assessment of the Secretary-General in his 
     Report that our endeavour of consolidating effective 
     multilateralism in a flexible and versatile United Nations, 
     is the best way to address the complete spectrum of global 
     crises and ensure that there exist preventive mechanisms to 
     avert each one. Such consolidation also applies to security 
     deficits and particularly terrorism the underlying causes of 
     which, we have been unable to eliminate despite our concerted 
     efforts. We consider that the conclusion of a United Nations 
     comprehensive convention against terrorism is important in 
     order to facilitate the elimination of the threat posed by 
     terrorism, in the framework of international legality.
       Addressing other deficiencies in the international system, 
     particularly the ones which give rise to crisis situations 
     and humanitarian disasters, should also be considered a 
     matter of both urgency and priority. Darfur is one such 
     crisis, which, following many others like it, keeps Africa at 
     the heart of our concerns. It manifests why we should not 
     only focus the majority of our humanitarian resources and 
     peace-keeping efforts to it but why we should make every 
     possible effort to make sustainable development a global 
     reality. We welcome also the expanding co-operation between 
     the United Nations and regional Organisations, which we 
     consider to be the most effective method of addressing such 
     issues. Of course, we attach particular significance to the 
     collaboration between the United Nations and the European 
     Union in managing crisis situations.
       The Middle East is another region which remains volatile 
     despite growing global concern and in spite of many attempts 
     to restore the Peace Process in the Israeli-Palestinian 
     conflict. So long as violence remains a vivid reality in the 
     region it will not be possible to create those conditions 
     under which peace building can be accomplished. We deem 
     necessary a more active involvement of the Quartet in the 
     efforts to implement the road map and intercept the cycle of 
     violence. More emphasis should also be given to the task of 
     improving living conditions in order to normalise people's 
     lives to the greatest possible extent. Our support remains 
     focused on the end of the occupation and on a just and viable 
     settlement, based on UN Resolutions and for the realisation 
     of the aspirations of the Palestinian people for the

[[Page S10682]]

     establishment of an independent state, living side by side 
     with Israel, in conditions of sustainable peace and security.
       Surely the aspiration of humanity revolves around achieving 
     the full respect of human rights, democracy, and the rule of 
     law. The collective vision and effort required to fulfil this 
     massive endeavour demands the contribution of all, to the 
     extent of their capabilities. Cyprus is prepared to play its 
     part from its vantage point in the European Union whilst 
     drawing upon its traditional participation in Fora dedicated 
     to promoting agendas pertaining to these values. This 
     affiliation has been a source of support for us since Cyprus' 
     independence, and its impact not only makes us grateful but 
     has also endowed us with sensitivities that will continue to 
     be an integral part of our approach.
       I would like to emphasise how proud we are that Cyprus is 
     now a full member of the European Union. The European Union 
     has outlined an extensive set of priorities for this Session 
     of the General Assembly. As the statement delivered by the 
     Dutch Presidency has delineated these priorities, I will not 
     elaborate on them any further.
       This year marks 30 years since the occupation of 37% of 
     Cyprus' territory as a result of the invasion of the island 
     by Turkish troops. It also marks 30 years of relentless 
     efforts by the Greek Cypriots to achieve a just and peaceful 
     settlement, with the support of the international community, 
     to which I would like here to express our deep appreciation.
       The Greek Cypriot side has repeatedly demonstrated in the 
     past thirty years, its readiness to move forward by making 
     many painful sacrifices and concessions, while the Turkish 
     Cypriot leadership always lacked the necessary political 
     will. The quest and eagerness of Greek Cypriots for a 
     solution never meant, however, that they would accept any 
     settlement proposed to them nor that they would be ready to 
     embark on an adventure, in all probability condemned to 
     failing, with irreversible consequences.
       The latest effort by the UN Secretary-General to solve the 
     Cyprus problem resulted in a Plan, which, by some was 
     described as a historic opportunity to solve one of the 
     longest standing international problems. I will only briefly 
     outline why, despite the hard work invested in the process by 
     all involved, the end product of this effort was judged to be 
     inadequate and fell short of minimum expectations from a 
     settlement for Greek Cypriots.
       Firstly, the Annan Plan was not the product of negotiation 
     nor did it constitute an agreed solution between the parties. 
     Secondly, the Plan did not place the necessary emphasis on 
     achieving a one State solution with a central government able 
     to guarantee the single sovereign character of Cyprus. 
     Thirdly, it failed to address the serious concerns of the 
     Greek Cypriot Community regarding their security and 
     effective implementation of the Plan.
       In rejecting the Plan as a settlement for the Cyprus 
     problem the Greek Cypriots did not reject the solution or the 
     reunification of their country. They have rejected this 
     particular Plan as not effectively achieving this objective. 
     We remain committed to a solution which will ensure the 
     reunification of the country, its economy, and its people.
       We are committed to reaching a solution on the basis of a 
     bizonal, bicommunal federation. However, there are a number 
     of essential parameters the Greek Cypriot Community insist 
     this solution to be founded on. The withdrawal of troops and 
     settlers and the respect of human rights for all Cypriots, 
     the underlying structures for a functioning economy, the 
     functionality and workability of the new state of affairs, 
     the just resolution of land and property issues in accordance 
     with the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, and 
     the respect of the right of return of refugees. To this end, 
     we welcome the recent Pinheiro Progress Report on property 
     restitution in the context of the return of refugees and 
     internally displaced persons.
       Simultaneously, it pains me to bring to your attention, Mr. 
     President, that certain provisions of the Annan Plan have 
     encouraged an unprecedented unlawful exploitation of occupied 
     properties in northern Cyprus, something alluded to even in 
     statements by officials of the occupying power itself.
       The most paramount feature of any settlement is the ability 
     to install a sense of security to the people. The mistakes of 
     the past must not be repeated. Cyprus must in its future 
     course, proceed without any grey areas with regard to its 
     sovereignty or its relation to third states. If the people 
     feel that their needs have not formed the basis of any 
     solution reached or that the characteristics of this solution 
     have been dictated by the interests of third parties, then 
     this solution will unsurprisingly be bypassed. Indeed, the 
     spirit and practice of effective multilateralism not only 
     encompasses, but also derives from, the comprehension and 
     consideration of local realities and particulars, on which 
     it must then proceed to formulate proposals.
       This should not be interpreted by third parties as a lack 
     of will to solve the Cyprus problem. Instead, it must be 
     unequivocally understood that the people who will have to 
     live with this solution are in the best position to judge 
     what is suitable for them, that it is imperative for the 
     people to be called upon to ratify any plans that are drawn 
     to this effect, and that their verdict must be respected.
       In the framework of the European Union, and with the aim of 
     promoting reunification and reconciliation, my Government, 
     despite the obstacles placed by the current status quo, is 
     consistently pursuing policies aiming to enhance the economic 
     development of the Turkish Cypriots. While not intended to 
     serve as a substitute for a solution, such policies are in 
     our view the most effective way to foster the maximum 
     economic integration of the two Communities, and increase 
     contact between them, so as to ensure the viability of a 
     future solution.
       Responding to the expanding possibilities on the ground, we 
     have intensified our efforts to ameliorate the situation and 
     seek ways to benefit citizens. In this context, my Government 
     has recently proposed the withdrawal of military forces from 
     sensitive areas and refraining from military exercises, the 
     opening of eight additional crossing points across the cease 
     fire line and the facilitation of the movement of persons, 
     goods and services across the Green Line, as well as the 
     extension of the so far unilateral de-mining process 
     initiated by my Government.
       We have also declared our readiness to make special 
     arrangements whereby Turkish Cypriots will utilise Larnaca 
     Port for the export of their goods. Furthermore, subject to 
     the area of Varosha being returned under the control of the 
     Government of Cyprus and to its legitimate inhabitants, we 
     could accommodate the lawful operation of the port of 
     Famagusta.
       The Cyprus problem is not always perceived in its correct 
     parameters. The fact remains that this problem is the result 
     of a military invasion and continued occupation of part of 
     the territory of a sovereign state. This fact should not be 
     conveniently overlooked in people's perception, by 
     concentrating on peripheral parameters. Any initiative to 
     solve the problem must have at its core, this most basic and 
     fundamental fact and be based on the premise that 
     international legality must be served and the occupation 
     lifted.
       Unfortunately, the fundamentals of the situation on the 
     ground remain unchanged for the past 30 years since the 
     Turkish invasion in Cyprus. This situation is one comprising 
     of severe violations of the most fundamental human rights. 
     The yet unresolved issues of the missing persons, an issue of 
     a purely humanitarian nature, as well as that of the enclaved 
     of the Karpass peninsula, are in themselves an indication of 
     Cyprus' enduring suffering. This should not only point 
     towards the specifics of the solution to be pursued but must 
     also guide our actions with regard to managing the current 
     status quo. For instance, the United Nations Force in Cyprus 
     (UNFICYP), assigned with the task to manage the status quo 
     inflicted 30 years ago, should remain specific to the 
     situation on the ground.
       The accession of Cyprus to the European Union, in 
     conjunction with the lack of an agreement on the settlement 
     of the Cyprus problem, in spite of our efforts and our 
     preference for a settlement prior to accession, signifies the 
     end of an era and the beginning of a new one. I firmly 
     believe that the new context defined by the accession of my 
     country to the EU and by the expressed will of Turkey to 
     advance on the European path offers a unique opportunity and 
     could have a catalytic effect in reaching a settlement in 
     Cyprus. Our vocation is to be partners and not enemies.
       Hence, in this new era, we plea to Turkey, to join us in 
     turning the page and seeking ways to mutually discover, 
     mutually beneficial solutions to the various aspects that 
     compose the Cyprus problem. The mere realisation that peace 
     and stability in our region serve the interests of both our 
     countries is ample evidence to prove that what unites us is 
     stronger than what divides us.

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