Left Parties from Greece, Cyprus and Turkey in favour of peaceful solution to the Cyprus issue

On May 8-9 1998 left wing parties from Greece, Cyprus and Turkey met in Istanbul to discuss the Cyprus issue. Synaspismos and K.K.E from Greece, AKEL, the Republican Turkish Party and the New Cyprus Party from Cyprus participated in this meeting which was organised by the Freedom and Solidarity party of Turkey.

The Meeting itself and the joint declaration that ensued served to underline the possiblility of a peaceful solution of the present crisis.

Synaspismos was represented by M.Moustafa, MP, and Tassos Trikkas, head of the Foreign Policy dpt, member of the Central Political Committee.

The participants concluded their meeting with the following

JOINT DECLARATION

1. The continuing abeyance of the Cyprus problem, the absence of communication between the two communities and the absence of substantive talks and progress in the talks contribute to the consolidation of the status quo which is not and cannot be the solution of the Cyprus problem.

2. The Parties denounce any actions, which lead to the escalation of tension and military conflict. The Parties appeal to all interested parties to agree on measures for gradual decrease of the troops and the armaments having as a final goal the demilitarization of the island.

3. The Parties insist on their position that the solution of the Cyprus problem cannot be achieved by military means. The solution should be a peaceful one and should be reached via substantive talks, under the auspices of the UNO. The two sides should dispose the necessary political will and display respect to the high level agreements and the relative UN resolutions for Cyprus. The two sides should commence constructive talks without any preconditions, under the auspices of the Secretary - General of the UNO.

4. The Parties welcome any mediation, which is aiming at the achievement of a just, and viable solution and that it is within the framework of the UNO. The Parties demand collective intervention by the permanent members of the Security Council and denounce any attempt by the great powers aiming at diverting the problem from the framework of the UN resolutions.

5. The solutions must adequately guarantee the independence, territorial integrity, sovereignty and unity of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federal republic of Cyprus against enosis, partition or secession in any form, as is provided fir in the Archbishop Makarios- Denktash and Kyprianou-Denktash high level agreement and the relevant UN resolutions, taking into account the security requirements of both communities.

6. For the solution to be viable and feasible, it should be based on the political equality and economic parity of the two communities and safeguard the equality, human rights and freedoms of all citizens without exception, regardless of national origins as stated in paragraph 3 of the Kyprianou - Denktash high level agreement.

7. The Parties assert that chauvinism is on the rise which aims to inflict a decisive blow on rapprochement between the two communities, and they reiterate their will to have a constantly open front of struggle against chauvinism, religious fanaticism and prejudices, to enable the promotion of rapprochement confidence, contact and co-operation between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots on all levels.

8. On the issue of the accession of Cyprus to the EU the Parties maintain their respective positions and agree to continue the dialogue.

9. Finally, the Parties agree to continue their meetings and encourage meetings of women, youth, trade union and other organisations in order to promote the friendship between peoples of Cyprus, Greece and Turkey.

May 1998