The President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulidis expressed his deep appreciation for the principled position that Bulgaria maintains in the Cyprus issue and reiterated his proposal for a more active role on the part of the European Union in efforts to create the necessary conditions for the resumption of talks in Cypriot.
Accepting the credentials of Bulgaria’s new Ambassador Nedialtcho Dantchev, the President said, “we would like to express our deep appreciation for Bulgaria’s principled position on the Cyprus issue and your country’s long-standing and valuable support in our efforts to end the Turkish occupation and reunification through a sustainable and comprehensive settlement, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and EU law, values and principles.”
The current state of affairs, he said, is not a viable option, neither for Cyprus and all Cypriots, nor for anyone interested in security and stability in the region.
He reiterated his commitment to the effort for a peaceful solution of the Cyprus issue on the agreed basis of the bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality as defined by the relevant UN resolutions and the convergences achieved until the closing of the Conference on Cyprus in Crans Montana.
He noted that what is now important is how to break the current impasse to create the necessary conditions for the resumption of negotiations aimed at a comprehensive solution.
In this context, he said, it is important to identify incentives that will create win-win solutions for all involved.
“With this in mind, I seek a more active role on behalf of the European Union, as the only international actor that has the tools that can provide tangible incentives for all parties, through a gradual, mutually beneficial (win-win) process” .
This initiative, he pointed out, does not challenge or replace the leading role of the UN and the mission of good offices of the UN Secretary-General, but is intended to support the United Nations in its role and facilitate its efforts.
In the meantime, he said, we will continue bearing in mind the imperative to ensure a favorable climate and avoid tensions, violations and new acts.
He referred to Turkey’s provocative rhetoric and actions, saying they do not contribute to the creation of a favorable climate, which is necessary for the resumption of the negotiation process.
This prospect, he continued, is further undermined by Turkey’s declared policy of a “two-state” solution and its attempt to elevate its illegal separatist entity in the occupied part of Cyprus on the international stage in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. Nations, especially resolutions 541 and 550.
On the issue of Varossia, the President said that Turkey has not yet retracted its illegal actions and violations and has not yet respected or implemented the resolutions of the UNSC, including the latest resolution 2587 (2021) and related Presidential Statements (23 July 2021, 09 October 2020) where the Security Council “affirmed the status of the Varosians as set out in relevant resolutions, including resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992).
Referring to bilateral relations, he said that Cyprus and Bulgaria are celebrating the 63rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, noting that the relations between the two countries have proven resilient over the years and have strengthened to extraordinary levels of trust, friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, both at the level of governments and at the level of peoples.
He also referred to the large Bulgarian community in Cyprus, adding that it is an additional link between the two countries and undoubtedly contributes to the enrichment of society.
President Christodoulidis expressed his will and desire to further promote and deepen cooperation both on a bilateral level and within the European Union and other international organizations, in order to better deal with the multiple challenges of the modern era.
In closing, he asked the Ambassador to convey to Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and Prime Minister Galab Donev, as well as to the friendly people of Bulgaria, his warmest greetings and a message of friendship and solidarity.
Source : Sigma Live
