Addressing the US Senate plenary Menendez said that “global and regional dynamics have made the reunification of Cyprus a priority – driven, in part, by Cyprus’ newly found energy resources”.
“The natural resources that have been discovered this year in the Eastern Mediterranean offer both Greek and Turkish Cypriots alike a powerful incentive to reach an agreement – and if an agreement could be reached, Cyprus could play a pivotal role in regional energy security”, he pointed out.
“But the dynamics have again changed – which is why I rise today to express my grave concern over the Republic of Turkey’s incursion into Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)”, he stressed.
He referred to the presence in Cyprus` EEZ of Turkish seismic exploration vessel “Barbaros” “to stop the government of Cyprus from exercising its lawful and sovereign right to explore the natural gas within its EEZ”.
“In the days following, Turkey dispatched warships to support the Barbaros in its illegal activities, where they remain to this day”, he added.
According to the US Senator “this incident is merely the latest in a long series of violations on the part of Turkey against Cyprus’ sovereign right to explore and exploit its natural resources within its own Exclusive Economic Zone. Turkey, of course, also illegally occupies with 40,000 Turkish troops the northern portion of the island and has for forty years prevented any meaningful reconciliation efforts”.
“There is no doubt in my mind that Turkey’s actions have endangered peace talks between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots that began in February with a joint-communique issued by the two communities”, he stressed, adding that “because of Turkey’s bullying tactics, peace talks are now on hold”.
Menendez continued noting that “for peace talks to resume, Turkey must immediately withdraw its ships operating in and around Cyprus”.
“The international community has been abundantly clear in supporting Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades in recognizing Cyprus’s right to explore the resources within its Economic Zone and in condemning Turkey for this blatant violation”, he recalled.
The US Senator said that “Turkey’s recent actions in Cyprus are only one instance of its belligerent and bellicose rhetoric and backsliding on peace and democracy”, adding that “in recent weeks, President Erdoğan and his cabinet have used unusually belligerent and anti-Western rhetoric to attack the West”.
He expressed the point of view that recent statements “along with Turkey’s illegal actions in Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone – are a dramatic escalation of Turkey shifting away from democracy and its partners in the West. And – in my view – it requires an immediate and forceful response”.
“The Cypriot people need a strong voice on this issue. They need us to urge President Erdoğan to immediately withdraw from Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone so reunification talks can resume”, Menendez stressed.
Referring to Cyprus` foreing policy he said that it “is clearly positioning itself as a part of the western security architecture and is a resource, advocate, and an ally for our interests”. These developments, he added, “have led the White House to play an active role on behalf of Cyprus”.
To that effect he expressed his satisfaction over US Vice President Joe Biden`s visit to the island earlier this year and his commitment to resolving the Cyprus question.
“I share his support for the confidence building measures in Famagusta that would benefit both sides and accelerate progress towards a final settlement where Cypriots control their destiny, and their territory – and where, at the end of the day, any settlement is from the people of Cyprus, by the people of Cyprus, for the people of Cyprus and Cyprus alone”.
Menendez expressed his hope that President Erdoğan “now that his election is behind him, will use this opportunity to play a renewed role in finding a fair settlement”.
“We all appreciate that any progress will depend on a true commitment by the Turks to the peace process”, he pointed out.
He further assured of his own and the United States` committment “to supporting Cyprus as a friend and ally”.
www.parikiaki.com
17/12/14
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The latest economic and political developments in the region and their effects on the solution of the Cyprus problem was the topic discussed Wednesday between leaders and representatives of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties who meet regularly at Ledra Palace under the aegis of the Slovak Embassy....
ReplyDeleteThe Ambassador of Slovakia Oksana Tomova read a joint communique after the meeting according to which the leaders and representatives expressed opinions in a very constructive way and friendly atmosphere.
The issue of today`s meeting was proposed by the hosting T/c party, “United Cyprus Party”.
The statements also says that the parties reiterated their will to continue to work together towards reaching a solution of the Cyprus problem as soon as possible.
The next regular meeting will be held in January and the date will be announced in due time...........................- See more at: http://www.parikiaki.com/2014/12/greek-cypriot-and-turkish-cypriot-parties-discussed-developments-in-the-region-and-the-effects-on-cyprus-solution/#sthash.aTZyXSsK.dpuf
17/12/14