Joint statement of the two leaders, and statements by the UNSG´s spokesperson and European Commission President Barroso on the joint statement of Cypriot leaders
>Joint Statement of the two Leaders
30/03/2010
We have been engaged in a serious effort to find a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem in the shortest possible time. We express our appreciation to the United Nations Secretary General for his mission of Good Offices entrusted to him by the Security Council and for his efforts aimed at finding a mutually agreed solution of the Cyprus problem.
After many meetings that have taken place to date, and our discussions on all aspects of the Cyprus problem, we are encouraged by the important progress we have made so far on the Chapters of Governance and Power Sharing, EU Matters and the Economy and we are convinced that with perseverance we shall achieve a comprehensive settlement.
We underscore the fact that negotiations are being conducted under the overriding principle of the “integrated whole approach”, which means that “nothing is agreed unless everything is agreed”.
We are convinced that our mutual concern for the common good of the Greek-Cypriots and the Turkish-Cypriots and our will for a comprehensive solution will soon lead us to an exhaustive discussion of the remaining aspects of the Cyprus problem and the overcoming of the divergent positions soon, so as to achieve a mutually acceptable solution that will be put to separate simultaneous referenda.
Whilst the negotiations remain confidential, it is recognised that the leaders may explain to their communities the progress made so far and the differences that still need to be resolved.
Statement by the UNSG’s spokesperson on Cyprus leaders' Joint Statement
“The Secretary-General congratulates the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, Messrs. Christofias and Talat, respectively, on their joint statement issued today 30 March 2010. The statement highlights the two leaders' stronger than ever commitment to a settlement and notes that important progress in the chapters of governance and power-sharing, European Union matters and the economy has been achieved. The Cyprus problem has remained unresolved for too long. Both Mr. Christofias and Mr. Talat are leaders
with courage and vision and they have taken enormous political risks to carry the process forward. The Secretary-General calls upon them to continue their work to find a solution to the Cyprus problem which would take into full consideration the legitimate rights and concerns of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. A settlement is in the interest of all Cypriots, leading to stability, reconciliation and greater prosperity for Cyprus. It would also represent a critical peace dividend for the entire region.
The United Nations is committed to continue supporting the negotiations, and stands with the people of Cyprus as they work towards finally resolving this longstanding problem”. -30.3.2010
Statement by European Commission President José Manuel Barroso on the joint statement of Cypriot leaders
"I welcome the joint statement announced today by the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, Demetris Christofias and Mehmet Ali Talat. It shows the level of commitment and responsibility that the two leaders are putting in the settlement talks. The statement shows, also, the important progress achieved since the full fledged negotiations started on 3 September 2008. These achievements clearly demonstrate that a settlement is in reach and that there is a chance to finalize the talks in the next few months.
I would like to reiterate the full support of the European Commission to the efforts of the leaders of the two Communities aimed at reaching a settlement soon and our readiness to provide all the necessary support to the process. The Commission follows very closely the development of the talks and hopes that this long standing conflict on European soil will come to an end." -30.3.2010
Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt comments on the joint statement of the two leaders as follows:
Mediterranean: Two very positive developments in the region around the eastern Mediterranean, there is every reason to note this day.
It was significant that Cyprus President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Talat today agreed on a joint statement that breathed optimism about their chances of reaching a peace settlement for the divided island.
We have every reason to welcome their joint statement.
That the two together would come to an agreement is of great importance, but on both parts of the island, it is quite clear that there are those who find it difficult to get out of the historic distrust.
And it is especially in the light of this, that the statement is so important.
