The memorandum signed between the UK and the Greek Cypriot side today is unacceptable in terms of the fact that it does not reflect the realities in Cyprus and, that it includes approaches which will have negative effects over the efforts of reaching a comprehensive settlement for the Cyprus problem.

With their recent efforts, the Greek Cypriot side has indicated that they are looking for the solution of the Cyprus problem somewhere else. Unfortunately, for the sake of mending its aggravated relations with the Greek Cypriot side, the UK has provided support to this effort of the Greek Cypriot side as well, and became an instrument to the efforts of shaping the Cyprus problem in an environment where one of the relevant parties is absent.

The memorandum signed between the Greek Cypriot side and the UK includes concepts and approaches contradicting the agreements reached between President Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat and the Greek Cypriot Leader Mr. Demetris Christofias on 21 March 2008 and 23 May 2008. By signing this memorandum, Mr. Christofias has acted in a way that does not coincide with the agreements he has reached with President Mr. Talat and that will lead to a problem of confidence which will have negative effects over the negotiation process. For the authorities of the UK, by providing support for such actions, they, themselves have led to suspicion regarding their statement that they support the new negotiation process in Cyprus which was launched by 21 March agreement.

Those who have sincere views on the issue of finding a solution to the Cyprus problem via the negotiations where the two sides will participate under the supervision of the UN and at an equal status should not allow such memorandums to emerge and wear away the issues the two sides have agreed upon.

The fact that so-called measures the Greek Cypriot side has adopted for the Turkish Cypriot people has been included in this memorandum as well as the support of the UK, is nothing but an example of carelessness. There are no such measures, no such people who adopts these measures and no current or future results of the said measures. It is not the duty of the Greek Cypriot side to adopt measures for the Turkish Cypriot people as well as it is not the duty of the UK to appreciate these measures. If there were such measures, it is an issue that is to be left to discretion of the Turkish Cypriot people.

It seems that the threats regarding the British bases on the island are being taken seriously by the authorities of the UK and therefore, with the motive of protecting its bases, the UK attempts to provide support to the Greek Cypriot side in an unjust manner. Mr. Demetris Christofias, the UK government has addressed as if he represents the whole Cyprus, has no power or authority over North Cyprus or the Turkish Cypriot people. Given the circumstances, the said memorandum signed between Mr. Christofias and the government of the UK has no binding power over the Turkish Cypriot people and it has no validity or effect in North Cyprus.

It is also bizarre that in the said memorandum it is said that “no separate political existence” on the island shall be recognized or upgraded. Both Mr. Christofias and the authorities of the UK, as well as the whole world, are aware of the fact that there are “two separate political existences” in Cyprus and a settlement that is to be reached for the Cyprus problem will be based on this fact.

In the memorandum signed yesterday between the Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and the UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown in London they expressed support for “bi-zonal, bi-communal federation” in Cyprus and agreed to “improve bilateral relations and cooperate on European issues”.