Enforcing
all UN Resolutions: The Key to a Cyprus Settlement
By Ioannis Kasoulides
The
recent speeches of President George W. Bush and Secretary General Kofi
Annan, delivered before the United Nations General Assembly in September,
reiterated the importance to the entire international community that UN
resolutions be fully and completely implemented. Indeed, an effort is
currently underway to put some teeth into the implementation and
enforcement of UN resolutions concerning Iraq, beginning with the return
of weapons inspectors to ensure that no weapons of mass destruction exist
(or, if they do exist, that they will be destroyed). As President Bush
himself has noted, true global security and an internationally respected
rule of law can only be achieved when Security Council resolutions are
strictly implemented by all member states of the United Nations. He also
warned, "All the world now faces a test, and the United Nations, a
difficult and defining moment. Are Security Council resolutions to be
honored and enforced, or cast aside without consequence?"
Since
achieving its independence in 1960, Cyprus has undertaken a foreign policy
grounded in respecting and executing all of its international obligations,
including those arising from the Charter of the United Nations. Cyprus
has, for a long time, advocated full compliance with all UN resolutions,
without double standards and exceptions. We concur with President Bush
that such an approach facilitates the achievement of permanent solutions
based on objectivity, justice and international legality.
In
the case of Cyprus, a long series of UN resolutions—both recommendations
passed by the General Assembly and binding Security Council
decisions—have called, inter alia, for the immediate withdrawal
of all foreign military forces from the Republic of Cyprus; for the return
of all refugees to their homes in safety; and for respect for the
independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of Cyprus.
Unfortunately, the steps outlined by these resolutions have yet to be
implemented by Turkey. Contrary to its obligations under the UN Charter,
Turkey—whose military continues to illegally occupy nearly forty percent
of Cyprus—defies these resolutions by demanding that the international
community accept the "realities" of the status quo
brought about by its aggression. Twenty-eight years have passed since the
tragic summer of 1974, and the people of Cyprus, both Greek Cypriots and
Turkish Cypriots, are still suffering from the terrible consequences of
the Turkish invasion.
When
he spoke before the General Assembly, President Bush declared, "We
want the resolutions of the world's most important multilateral body to be
enforced." With regard to Cyprus, we believe that both sides must
seize the moment and take advantage of this latest window of opportunity.
Based on the framework provided by Security Council resolutions, we can
and must work together for the achievement of a just and viable settlement
to the Cyprus problem. Because of a unique convergence of positive
factors—the renewed interest of the international community, the
personal involvement and commitment of the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan
and the momentum generated by Cyprus' progress toward accession to the
European Union—we have finally reached a junction where peace is not
only possible, but is within reach.
The
international community, however, has regrettably not yet seen the
much-expected change of attitude from the Turkish side. The Security
Council, in its statement of July 9, 2002 authoritatively declared that
the "Turkish Cypriot side had been less constructive in its approach
so far and had declined to support the goal of resolving the core issues
by June [2002]." The Council also strongly underscored the need for
the Turkish side to cooperate fully in the ongoing effort for a
comprehensive settlement, which takes full consideration of relevant
Security Council resolutions and treaties.
Cyprus
has repeatedly called upon Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership to
heed the call of the international community. We ask that they respect
Security Council resolutions and the High Level Agreements, signed by
Turkish Cypriot leader Mr. Rauf Denktash himself, which not only provide
for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, but envision a state possessing a
single sovereignty, a single citizenship and a single international
personality. The latest Turkish position—for a solution based upon
"two sovereign states", and denying the rights of refugees to
return to their homes or take possession of their properties—represents
an anachronism in a globalized world. Not only is this position
unrealistic, it flies in the face of democracy, the rule of law and
respect for human rights -the core principles of the European Union, which
Turkey aspires to join.
In
the best interests of all people on the island, as well as for regional
stability, our vision for Cyprus requires a departure from the passions of
the past. We see Cyprus in the future as a reunited federal state that is
a member of the European Union, where the human rights and fundamental
freedoms of every citizen (including the right to freedom of movement)
will be fully protected and respected. We are aware that the overwhelming
majority of Turkish Cypriots share this vision and desire reunification.
They too hope for a common future in the European Union, with all the
safeguards of a modern, democratic and effective state. They know that the
accession of Cyprus to the EU will offer to all its citizens security,
social and economic advancement, especially for the Turkish Cypriot
community.
Together,
we can make that vision a reality.
Ioannis
Kasoulides is the Foreign Minister of Cyprus.