The defence ministers of  South Cyprus and Greece, Christoforos Fokaides and Demetris Avramopoulos respectively signing the Memorandum

 

Cyprus and Greece signed Wednesday a joint Memorandum of Crisis Management which provides for the strengthening of the cooperation between the two states in the field of defence.

The Memorandum was signed by the Minister of Defence Christoforos Fokaides and the Minister of National Defence of Greece Demetris Avramopoulos, who paid Cyprus a visit on the occasion of the Republic`s Independence Day.

In statements after the meeting, Fokaides said that the Memorandum was signed with the aim to strengthen the two countries’ defence cooperation for the safeguarding of their territorial integrity and the protection of their sovereignty.

The Memorandum, he went on to say, provides for the exchange of information, the coordination of the actions of the crisis management services and measures for joint actions.

Fokaides said that the Memorandum is an additional tool for the deepening of the close cooperation which exists between the two countries in the areas of defence and security.

Cyprus and Greece, the Cypriot Minister stressed, are countries of stability, security and democracy in the wider region and have an extremely important and upgraded role to play for regional security.

In his statements, the Greek Minister of National Defense said that the agreement signed today does not have any aggressive purposes.

“On the contrary, it contributes to the creation of a safety environment”, he said, noting that the defence systems of Greece and Cyprus, apart from the purpose of protecting and ensuring the integrity and independence of Greece and Cyprus, respectively, can serve other common European purposes.

Referring to the meeting he had earlier with President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades, Avramopoulos said that they spoke about the Cyprus problem and the developments in the region “which strengthens the geostrategic and geopolitical role of Cyprus”.

He also said that Cyprus` defence system is modern and efficient and is ready to respond to any challenge.

 

  Küfi Seydali

Comment by Soothsayer

This is another nail in the coffin for reuniting Cyprus. Under the 1960 constution, ratified on the 16th August, neither party (Greek nor Turk) can enter into a treaty with any third party without the agreement of the other. This is clearly an acknowledgement by the Greek Republic of Cyprus that the Turks are a seperate entity. It’s about time that they realised this.
Despite his nationalistic rhetoric, Anastisiades is getting the Greek Cypriots (GC) ready for the inevitable. Not before time.
What is really strange though is that GC’s choose to hang onto the coat tails of a country (Greece) which has brought them death, destruction and bankruptcy. A very curious, masochistic and very peculiar GC psyche.

Greek Cypriot Leader Anastasiades, speaking at the 54th year (!) celebrations got carried away and thanked the EOKA terrorists who fought against the British and Turkish Cypriots for ENOSIS (Union with Greece, 1955-1959).

He provoked sharp reactions from both Turkish and Greek Cypriots as well as from the TRNC Leadersip.

 

Nicos Anastasiades hopes that the current international interest in the Cyprus issue would help create prospects for a solution, he said in his address to the nation to mark the island’s 54^th anniversary of independence.

In his speech on Tuesday evening, Anastasiades paid tribute to the EOKA fighters who made independence possible in 1960, and those who later defended the Republic in the wake of the Turkish invasion in 1974.

He said he hoped that the current international interest in the Cyprus issue would help create prospects for a solution.

“Addressing our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, I would like to send the message that, while they should consider our sincere wish and determination for finding a solution, they should not expect that it would ever be possible for us to accept a solution that will not meet the expectations of the Greek Cypriots, or that will make the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots second-class citizens of the EU,” he said.

“At the same time, I call on the Turkish government to respond and contribute substantially, through specific actions, to the effort made for the solution of the Cyprus problem.”

Anastasiades called for the 54^th anniversary to be “the beginning of a new era.

He also referred to the harsh economic conditions the island was undergoing

“We now bear the cost of longstanding problems, the system’s problems, the indecisiveness and fear to take responsibility in the past, as well as political weaknesses, wrong strategic choices and prejudices that led our country on the verge of destruction,” he said.

“It is time to acknowledge our mistakes, before the people, through self-awareness, self-criticism and courage… to acknowledge the reasons why our country went from a place of prosperity, stability, security and safety to being on the brink of economic but also national bankruptcy.”

Anastasiades said he was certain that the island could overcome the obstacles and return to conditions of growth and progress, free from the ills of the past.

“We are working towards transforming Cyprus into a modern, reliable and European country, country that will be playing a key role in the very important and sensitive area of the East Mediterranean, a country that will lead the effort for cooperation, peace and stability,” he said.

Comment by a Greek Cypriot (Veritas):

“In his speech on Tuesday evening, Anastasiades paid tribute to the EOKA fighters who made independence possible in 1960”.

Quite an appalling statement by the President on the eve of our National Day. Doesn’t he know that the aim of the EOKA campaign was union with Greece or ENOSIS and not independence? Further, the founder of EOKA, Gen. Grivas, was never pleased with the 1960 independence and formed EOKA B in1971, which turned out to be the final nail in the coffin 1974.
Above, together with the use of the Greek flag alongside the Cypriot flag on our National Day, doesn’t move things any closer to a solution. A very poor mind of judgement.

Comment by a Turkish Cypriot (Özay Mehmet):

I must admit I was one of those who welcomed Mr. A when he was elected leader of GCs…I thought his Yes in 2004 was the result of intelligence….He has been a great disappointment since day 1…his last performance fits only that of a failed politician. The man is a joke…which world does he live in?

 

  Küf Seydali

 

Which Independence? “Cyprus” died 3 years old in 1963…!!!

Greek soldiers with “Cyprus” Flags

Cyprus will mark the 54th anniversary of its independence from British colonial rule with a military parade on Wednesday

The defence ministry said on Monday that infantry and mechanised units of the National Guard, the Greek Forces in Cyprus (ELDYK), the police and the fire service will take part in the parade on Iosif Hadjiosif Avenue, Strovolos in Nicosia.

President Nicos Anastasiades will take the salute at the parade, which will begin at 11am.

Greek Minister of National Defence Demetris  Avramopoulos will attend.
There will also be a 21-gun salute.

Cyprus gained its independence in 1960, after a four-year struggle against British colonial rule. (CNA)

  Küfi Seydali

Comment by John Mavro

What exactly are we ”celebrating”? And is there any reason to believe that this ”independence” has been nothing else than an unmitigated disaster?

The very fact that the banana republic celebrates this day on 1 October when, assuming anyone believes this myth, in reality the Zurich accord was signed on 16 August 1960 and a serious country would thus adopt that date as its independence date, already tells us about everything that is wrong.

That the idiots making up the ”ruling elite” did not want to interrupt their summer vacations in mid-August and instead pushed it out to October. Presumably also to please the public parasites.

If anything, this date should be a day of solemn national mourning and remembrance.

Of our lack of vision, immaturity and failings in handing over this beautiful island to corruption riddled thieves and embezzlers who have ”governed” us since then.

And in the process lost 40% of the island and then bankrupting the rest. To the extent we are now a failing, bankrupt banana republic.

Some advice to the idiots making up ”government”:

Accept the reality that we are not independent since we are now a colony of the Troika and our creditors.

Cancel these irrelevant and useless military parades which achieve NOTHING.

And in the process save hundreds of thousands of EURO in fuel and overtime pay for these parasites (yes, they get paid overtime since it is a public holiday) which we cannot afford.

In addition to using this time on reflecting about their abysmal failures as ”government”, ”political parties” and ”ruling elite”. And try learn from their catastrophic mistakes.

It would be far more useful than disrupting the Nicosia traffic with this quixotic exercise in total futility

Greek Cypriot Leader N. Anastasiades with J. Kerry in New York

IF THERE was one conclusion to be drawn from Nicos Anastasiades’ visit to New York for the UN General Assembly meeting, it was that he would soon be called to make very difficult decisions. The type of decisions that no Cypriot politician has dared to make in the past, because these require going against the tide, battling long-held political beliefs and prejudices and taking on powerful interest groups. All opt for the least painful option of avoiding making a choice at all costs.

But this will not be an option in the coming months. The government will be forced to decide whether to accept the US invitation for Cyprus to become the superpower’s strategic partner and, more importantly, whether to agree to the peace deal that would allow this to happen. As we have written in the past, the US sees the island as an integral part of its strategic planning for the region but wants the Cyprus problem settled before it pursues its other plans.

Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, who was also in New York and met State Department officials, was very clear about Washington’s intentions. “For the United States, the settlement of the Cyprus problem constitutes an issue of priority, in combination with all other developments in our region, in which Cyprus has proved it can be an island of stability that they (US) need geo-strategically to bring peace to the wider region,” he said.

An indication of how much of a priority a settlement was for the US was that Secretary of State John Kerry made time to meet Anastasiades, on his arrival to New York last Sunday, to discuss the peace talks which are set to resume next month. Kerry, according to a State Department official, told Anastasiades that he intended “to become personally involved in the procedure and help as much as he could for progress to be achieved.” He was even prepared to visit the island if this would be considered helpful.

On Friday Anastasiades also met Vice President Joe Biden, who underlined the importance the US administration attached to Cyprus by visiting the island earlier in the year. Never before has such an interest been shown in Cyprus at the highest level of the US administration, which has also been in consultation with Ankara. The Cyprus government spokesman said, after the Biden-Anastasiades meeting, the Americans recognised that actions were needed to change the intransigent Turkish stance, even though the US ambassador in Nicosia said earlier in the week that a solution was down to the two sides.

One thing is clear. Anastasiades will be under tremendous pressure in the coming few months to take the big steps demanded by our strategic partner, while facing strong opposition on the home front. The tough choices will not be confined to the Cyprus problem. At some point he will also have to choose between the forging of strategic partnership with the US or maintaining the strong ties Cyprus has traditionally enjoyed with Russia, because it will be a case of one or the other. The world is splitting into two spheres of influence again and we doubt Cyprus will have option of having a foot in each one. This is a big dilemma, given the economy’s dependence on Russia but a choice will have to be made.

The government’s unprecedented step of consenting to the use of Akrotiri air-base as a launching pad for British air strikes against Islamic State positions is an indication that it is gradually aligning the island with the West. But this is just a step and many more will need to follow that will inevitably alienate Moscow, if it is too realise its declared objective of joining NATO.

Anastasiades will also have to persuade a stridently anti-West, anti-settlement political establishment – not to mention a financial sector dependent on Russian business – that the long term benefits of a strategic partnership with the US would far outweigh the short term problems that would inevitably be created. We are already seeing some of the benefits – the ENI-KOGAS drillship arrived at Block 9 and begun operations last week without any interference from Turkish ships.

This is the bigger picture that our conservative politicians and other opinion formers obstinately refuse to see, as they feel safe focusing exclusively on their small, inward-looking, never-changing world. It is up to Anastasiades to help us all see the bigger picture and move the country westward, but first he has to find the courage, which he has not displayed much in his presidency, to take these tough and difficult decisions himself.

  Küfi Seydali

Comment (KS):

Greek Cypriots to decide; America or Russia?
Ini-Mini-Meini-Mo: Who is friend and who is foe?
Considering that Greeks accused and held America responsible for their 1974 adventure ( in fact they killed the US Embassador in Nicosia and the CIA-Chief in Athens), they are now considering a strategic partneship with America! What about Russia and the Greek Cypriot Communist Party? The Russians have been screwed and would not give any more money!! However, the game Anastasiades is playing is similar to that he is playing with Israel (also strategic partner!!), just because Turkey’s relations to both countries is rather strained. What Anastasiades seem to have forgotten is that he is a member of the EU, and needs the Troika and more money! What exactly makes South Cyprus suitable for a strategic partnership with America and/or Israel? Her economic standing (buncrupt) or her military might?

Greek Cypriot Leader Anastasiades more than happy collecting all of the ” Cyprus – fruits”!

Cyprus will devote a large part of its foreign policy focus on boosting and enhancing Cypriot-American relations, in all possible fields, President Nicos Anastasiades has said.

Anastasides was speaking late Friday at the annual dinner of the Cyprus Federation of America in New York. This year`s honoree was the American Jewish Committee, in recognition of its support to Cyprus.
Addressing the event, the president referred to bilateral relations with the US, the Cyprus issue, hydrocarbons, as well as relations with Israel.
In his speech the Anastasiades said 2014 had been a particularly important year for Cypriot-American relations. He specifically referred to the visit to Cyprus in May by US Vice President Joe Biden, whom he met with in New York earlier on Friday.

“The visit of Joe Biden, someone I feel honoured and privileged to now call a friend, was a milestone in our new, dynamic, and strategic relationship with the US, and proof, that the reorientation of our foreign policy is already bearing fruit. With Joe Biden, we spoke about Cyprus’s strategic realignment with Western institutions and security structures, its role, as the last outpost of the western alliance in an increasing tumultuous and violent Eastern Mediterranean, as well as its potential contribution to the energy security of Europe,” he said.
He said the government would devote a large part of its foreign policy focus in boosting and enhancing ties with Washington. “In that, as always, we count on your cooperation and support, your important contribution, and your network of relationships and alliances both inside the Congress, as well as the Administration, to move this relationship to another level, he told the US diaspora.

Referring to the American Jewish Committee, which was honored during the dinner, Anastasiades said that the AJC had worked tirelessly to advance ties between Cyprus, Israel and the United States, “mutually beneficial to our countries and peoples, and of immense significance in an ever changing Near East”.
The AJC had been pivotal in promoting and contributing to the enhancement of our partnership with Israel on all levels, political, economic, cultural and strategic, he said, adding that with its significant influence in world affairs as well within American politics, the AJC “has consistently and tirelessly supported the full restoration of the human rights and the fundamental freedoms of the people of Cyprus, and the just resolution of the Cyprus problem”.

He also spoke about the enhanced relations between Cyprus and Israel.
“In Cyprus, Israel recognises and can count on a stable and predictable partner, one that will consistently deliver on issues of bilateral concern, but also one that can represent the Israeli viewpoint as well the country’s needs and perspective to the outside world, especially within the EU. Cyprus stands ready and willing to work towards further expanding our relationship to Israel,” Anastasiades said.

Referring to the substantial hydrocarbons deposits in the Eastern Mediterranean and within Cyprus` and Israel`s Exclusive Economic Zones. He said the discovery, could play “a positive role towards peace and stability in our troubled region”, beyond the substantive and promising prospects for bilateral cooperation.
“In the model of the European Coal and Steel Community, our energy perspectives and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean, can form the catalyst for resolving our long-standing and seemingly intractable problems through a different perspective: that of economic cooperation and interdependence in exploiting and procuring our energy wealth,” he said.
In his earlier meeting with Biden, according to a White House statement, Anastasiades and the US Vice President agreed on the need to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the United States and Cyprus.

It said Biden and Anastasiades discussed the potential contributions Cyprus could towards a settlement of the region`s energy security and agreed that unifying the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation would be in the best interest of all Cypriots. (CNA)

  Küfi Seydali

Comment:

KS

It is obvious that Greek Cypriot leadership have learnt nothing from history. Using the somewhat strained relations beween America, Israel and Turkey, may bring some “fruits” for the Greek side, but, it will definitely not help solve the so called Cyprus Problem (50 years old). Everybody, including America, pay lip service to a bi-zonal solution, but, at the same time pretend the Turkish side do not exist. Recently both the American Embassador Konig and British High Commissioner Tod have said that the Cyprus problem can only be solved by the two sides in Cyprus. Now, imagine one side having America, the American Jewish  Congress, Israel the whole of the EU, and, to some extend Russia behind her! How can then a solution be found by the two sides? Hopefully, the Greek side does not collect some bitter fruits, as in the past (1964 – 1974)!

US Ambassador John Koenig

THE US and the UK both believe the key to a peace solution lies in Cyprus, as opposed to the Cypriot government’s argument that Ankara holds the key to progress.

In separate interviews published on either side of the dividing line, the heads of the diplomatic missions of the two permanent members of the UN Security Council both expressed satisfaction with Turkey’s support for the peace process so far.

In an interview with Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris, US Ambassador John Koenig highlighted Turkey’s support to a Cyprus solution, in stark contrast to Nicosia’s argument that Ankara has yet to show in practice what it says in public about wanting a settlement.

Turkish Prime Minister Davutoglu

Asked to comment on statements by Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu during his recent visit to the occupied north, Koenig said: “We were very satisfied with the Turkish support offered to the Cyprus problem. We believe that Turkey’s contribution is of vital importance for a compromise in Cyprus.”

The American diplomat said Cyprus is discussed at the highest level during contacts between the US and Turkey, noting that Secretary of State John Kerry recently discussed with Davutoglu their common interests in supporting a Cyprus solution.

Koenig said he hoped to see the benefits of this broad support for the peace process lead towards a solution.

“However, what is essentially important is for the sides in Cyprus to continue having a will for progress and solving the differences. This is the essence of the Cyprus problem,” he was quoted as saying.

According to Kibris, the American diplomat recalled that the solution process is Cypriot-led, arguing that the key lies in the hands of both leaders and their respective communities.

British High Commissioner Damian Roderic Todd

In a separate interview with the Cyprus News Agency, the new British High Commissioner, Damian Roderic Todd, said the key to a solution lies with the Cypriots, who need to reach agreement on what a settlement looks like.

He argued that a political settlement, based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with single citizenship, sovereignty and international identity, will serve the interests of the people of Cyprus.

“As soon as I arrived I had the opportunity to visit and walk in the buffer zone. And the same thought always comes to mind: what a waste of potential. The continuation of the division in Cyprus is such a waste,” he said.

Todd highlighted the strong ties between the UK and Turkey, pointing to Ankara`s importance in NATO and London’s support to Turkey’s EU aspirations.

“This is in no sense contrary to good relations with others,” he added.

According to Todd, Turkey wants to see a solution in Cyprus and supports UN efforts to that effect.

“We feel the Turkish government does want to see a solution in Cyprus. It supports UN efforts and has made clear the wish to be engaged in this,” he said.

Asked whether recent public statements by the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leadership contradict the agreed basis of a solution, Todd said the joint declaration agreed between the two leaders on February 11 is “a clear statement” on the kind of settlement to be reached.

Asked where he thinks the key to a solution lies, the British diplomat replied: “It lies here among the Cypriots” who need to reach an agreement and feel comfortable with it.
“Ultimately it is for the leaders to meet and talk and agree, then the people will vote in a referendum,” he said.

Todd also hinted at the danger posed to a divided Cyprus, on the edge of a very volatile region.

Regional problems make it all the more important for Cypriots to find a way to solve the problem, he added.

Regarding the recent meetings of Turkish Cypriot ‘foreign minister’ Ozdil Nami in London with Foreign Office officials, on which the Cypriot government was highly critical, the High Commissioner reiterated that the UK recognises only the Republic of Cyprus and no other entity.

However, Britain attaches great importance to dialogue with the Turkish Cypriots and will continue this dialogue, said Todd.

Meanwhile, regarding a potential visit by Kerry to the island, Koenig told Kibris that the State Secretary would come when the time was right, adding that the US has “positive but cautious expectations” about the process.

“We will wait and see the work of the two leaders and the UN in October during the new stage of the negotiations and I hope that we will work in the direction of planning the visit in case the developments are as we expect them to be,” he said.

Koenig did not rule out the option of the US appointing a special envoy to Cyprus at some point, saying this was always under consideration, though there was nothing to announce at present.

Regarding confidence-building measures (CBMs), the US ambassador hailed improved relations between the island’s religious leaders and businessmen, but expressed the view that there are other CBMs which could tackle the mistrust between the communities.

Asked to elaborate, Koenig replied: “The issue of Famagusta continues to attract attention and needs full support by all sides.”

He stressed that the Famagusta package of CBMs includes more than just an expert’s study of the fenced area. It also entails connecting Turkish Cypriots to the international market through the port and possibly airport, getting Cypriots to work together to realise the benefits of a solution, and protecting the area’s cultural heritage, including within the walled city of Famagusta and ancient Salamis. ( Stefanos Evripidou ?

  Küfi Seydali