Cuprus Dispute Update: President Anastasiades wants both North and South Cyprus to settle their differences by meeting up with both sides demands, He tells UN

President Nicos Anastasiades

The most important differences in the Cyprus talks on property, territory, security and guarantees will weigh significantly on whether a solution will be feasible, President Nicos Anastasiades said on Thursday in his address to the UN General Assembly in New York.

In this respect, he said "what still needed to be address were the financial dimension of the settlement, including costs related to property and to the institutional functioning of the federal state, safeguarding the smooth implementation of the agreement, the ‘first day’ of the solution and what it would entail, introducing the euro as legal tender on ‘Day One’ and speedy implementation of the various aspects of the agreement".

Anastasiades in his words said: "I do believe that this ambitious goal is achievable, provided that all interested parties and stakeholders, and in particular Turkey, show a similar degree of commitment, engage constructively and proceed with concrete and tangible steps which will positively reinforce the negotiating process," Anastasiades.

"I wish to, yet again, reiterate my resolve to continue working with the same determination and intensive pace in order to reach a solution the soonest and, if possible, by the end of the year."

He also referred to the differences that remained on a number of issues in the chapters of governance, EU and economy.

"The most significant differences lie in the core and fundamental chapters of property, territory and security and guarantees which will weigh significantly as to whether a solution would be feasible," he said.

"My aim is to avoid failures of the past and to present to the people a clear and well-prepared settlement agreement, with no constructive or other ambiguities and deficiencies; ensuring that the solution will be politically and economically viable, functional and lasting."

Anastasiades said, a solution would create a win-win situation for all Cypriots, address the expectations, sensitivities and concerns of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots, ensure a modern EU and UN member-state, establish Cyprus as an international paradigm of peaceful co-existence and rid the island of third-country military troops or guarantees, “an anachronism in today’s world”.

"It is my firm belief that the solution of the Cyprus Problem, would be first and foremost to the benefit of all Cypriots, creating conditions of peace, prosperity and a flourishing society, unlocking its full potential for future generations," he said. "Regionally, it would turn Cyprus into a model-country of stability and predictability and would amplify Cyprus’ role as a security provider in one of the most turbulent areas of the world".

At a European level, he said, it would 'end the oxymoron' of having one of its member-states being divided, while it would also positively reinforce EU-Turkey’s relations and the overall security architecture of the EU".