A/37/PV.117 General Assembly

I should first like to draw the attention of the members of the General Assembly to the report ofthe Special Political Committee contained in document A/37/808. May I take it that the General Assembly takes note of that report? It was so decided. 2. The PRESiDENT: I should also like to draw the attention of the Assembly to the fact that a draft reso- lution was distributed yesterday under the symbol A/37/L.63.

Nepal has often repeated its firm conviction that the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of States, peaceful coexistence and respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries are sacrosanct. We can never accept any justification for armed in- tervention, nor car~ we recognize any situatiou created by such intervention. It is from this position of principle that we look at the question of Cyprus. My delegation wishes to reaffirm Nepars conviction that any solu~ion to the question of Cyprus must ensure fuB respect for the independence, territorial integrity, unity and non-aligned character of that country. 4. My delegation welcomes the intensification of the efforts made by the Secretary-General and the con- tinuation of the intercommunal talks under the auspices of the United Nations. Though we are con- cerned at the lack of progress in those talks, my delegation hopes that a meaningful and constructive dialogue will continue so as to ensure a mutually acceptable solution ofthe problem. The framework for such a solution has already been laid down in the relevant resolutions of the United Nations, especially General Assembly resolution 3212 (XXIX), which was endorsed by Security Council resolution 365 (1974), as well as in the' declarations of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and the high-level agreements of 12 February 19771 and 19 May 1979.z - - 5. Mr. JACOBS (Antigua and Barbuda): The Gen- eral Assembly :3as been involved in tbe question of Cyprus for 19 years withDut witnessing a successful resolution ofthe issue. During that time, a new genera- tion has come to maturity in Cyprus, and yet the gap remains unbridged and th~ wounds of separation unheal~d. The troubles of this land have defied solu- NEW YORK tion: they have persisted despite every effort to end them. 6. When the question of Cyprus was not considered by 2he General Assembly at its thirty-fifth and tbirty- sixth sessiDns, those of us who seek peace and eschew strife hoped that tha~ was an indicatiqn of progress. We prayed that the time was at hand when Cypriots would exult in their own nationality, casting aside the borrowed mantle of "Greek" or "Turk". 7. A19cS, our hope was not to be;· our prayer re- mained unanswered. Intercommunal talks;·-which began in 1968 and which have continued J'ver the ensuing years up to April of this year, have not produced an-agreed framework for a lasting settlement to the problems of Cyprus. Indeed, if anything, the possibility of a united, independent CYVrus seems to have receded even further into the distance. 8. The question of Cyprus and the fact that it has persisted over so long a time raises serious issues for the General Assembly, not least of which is the effectiveness of the Security Council in the area of providing collective security. But beyond that fun- damental question, which reflects on the utility of the Security Council as it is currently constructed, is the grave matter of the oc~upati()n of Cypriot territory by a foreign force. 9. By any measure, such occupation, under any guise or pretext, is a violation of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cyprus. More- over, it is an assault upon the principles of the United Nations as set out in its Charter. My country condemned the introduction of Soviet troops in Afghanistan despite the assertion that the troops were invited by the Afghan Government. As we condemned the introduction of Soviet troops in Afghanistan, so we deplore the continued pre.sence of foreign troops in Cyprus. In our view, the Soviet army has no right in Afghanistan and Turkish forces have no right in Cyprus. 10. No people can reach a lasting solution to their internal problems if external forces exert undue in- fl'.';:llce on one side or the other. A lasting solution will only be reached by the people concerned acting in their own interest and giving due consideration to each other's anxieties. Antigua and Barbuda, as a small island State, vulnerable to adventures by large and pow~rful nations, cannot accept that any country has the right to occupy the territory of another. We urge the Assembly to be mindful of the Charter of the United Nations and to demand once again the withdrawal of foreign troops without delay. 11. Since 1964, UNFICYP, which was sent to Cyprus for three months, has remained on the island. One wonders how much of this need to. retain a United Nations peace force in Cyprus has been due to the fact 13. My delegation is not so naive as to believe that a community which has been torn apart for a generation will reach a coincidence of views overnight. However, while we recognize that the intercommunal negoti- ations have indicated substantial divergence on some issues, there has been some agreement and therein lies the opportunity on which to build a framework for a lasting peace. But such a framework will not be constructed under duress. And, in this context, a foreign force on Cyprus constitutes duress. Indeed, this duress could lead to new and unwelcome develop- ments, such as attempts to declare one part of Cyprus a s~vereign State in its own right. 14. The United Nations could not condone the Bal- kanization of the Cypriot State,nor could it welcome the heightened tension which such an action would create. Moreover, we would have to be seriously concerned about the possibility that a new colonial- ism may arise as the new State seeks the protection of a larger and more powerful country. IS. Antigua and Barbuda would urge the people of Cyprus to facilitate the efforts of the Assembly to assist in the process of establishing a framework for a lasting settleme~t to the island's problems. 16. Among the initiatives by the United Nations Which my delegation would support are: a return to the Assembly's 1979 recommendation that an ad hoc committee on Cyprus be appointed [resolution 34/30]. This committee should be constituted in such a way as to ensure broad representation of interests. 17. We would also support a continuing intercom- munal dialogue with a representative of the Secretary- General acting as an intermediary, the immediate withdrawal of foreign for~es from Cyprus and a strengthening of UNFICYP in order to create a climate of stability in which the intercommunal negotiations may be advanced. 18. The question of Cyprus is really concerned with the future ofa tormented people. The Assembly would fail in its duty if it did not urge the Cypriot people to return to the intercommunal talks with the political win to make such talks meaningful. Equally, we would fail in our duty if we did not urge the Turkish Govern- ment to withdraw its forces from Cyprus and thus help to create an atmosphere more conducive to dialogue. But above all else the AssemblY should ensure that the United Nations peace fo.rce is main- tained and that an ad hoc: committee is established in the Organization to advance the search for a lasting peace in Cyprus. 19. Cyprus must be given a chance to end its torment, to he~} its wounds and to bridge its d=vide. To that goal 1 the Assembly, including: those nations with a vested 3nterest, must turn its efforts. 21. Of course, everyone is aware of the complexity of the Cypriot tragedy and of the efforts made by the international community since 1974, particularly by the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, the socialist countries and the Secretary-General, to find a just and lasting solution to the problem of Cyprus so that it can maintain its independence, sovereignty, territorial integlity and non-aligned nature. 22. However, neither the complexity of the problem nor the difficulties met with along the way to a settle- ment should discourage us, far less allow us to forget that that friendly country, a founder of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, continues de facto divided and partially occupied, a situation which is a threat to peace and security in d region alre~dy disrupted by persistent Israeli aggression against the Arab nation as a whole and against the exercise by the Palestinian people of its inalienable national rights. 23. Like most Members of this Organization, Cuba considers that the only possible solution to the problem ofCyprus lies in the successful completion of the talks which, on the basis of Uniteu Nations resolutions and the high-level agreements of 12 February 19771 and 19 May 1979,2 have been undertaken by the Greek Cypriot an~ Turkish Cypriot communities under the auspices of the Secretary-General. 24. In my capacity as a member of the Contact Group of the non-aligned countries, I had the honour to visit the Republic of Cyprus in March of this year. After the important conversations held with the President, Mr. Spyros Kyprianou, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Nicos Rolandis, and other high officials of the Government, our delegation was also able to mak~ contact with the representatives of both Cypriot communities, as well as with Mr. Andreas V. Mavrom- matis and Mr. Umit Suleiman Onan, in their respective capacities as leaders of the intercommunal talks of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parties. 25. To my mind, this was a valuable experience. Not only were we abl~ more clearly to note the COWl- cerns of each side, but we were also able to observe that the talks, although carried out in a cordial and proper spirit, are in practical terms at a standstiH. This assessment, with various nuances and emphases, of course, seems to be shared by both communities and by the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, and that is why the Assembly should give priority attention to sub~equent deve~opments. 26. In this regard, my delegation feels that we must direct our efforts towards ensuring that the negoti- ations are really significant and designed to obtain concrete results. To that end, they mu~t be conducted freely, on an equal footing and on file basis of the relevant United Nations resolutions and of the above- mentioned high-Ievei agreements, in order to arrive as soon as possible at a mutually acceptable agreement, based on the legitimate right5 of both communities. 28. The Revolutionary Government of Cuba, which has always supported the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, unity and non-alignment of the Republic of Cyprus and has therefore opposed any foreign interference in its affairs, similarly supports the right of the Republic of Cyprus and its people to sovereignty and full and effective control over the whole territory of Cyprus and its natural and other resources, and appeals to all States to support ~nd assist the Government ofthe Republic ofCyprus in (he exercise of its rights. 29. Furthermore, my delegation-which is honoured to sponsor draft resolution A/37/L.63-calls for the immediate and effective implementation of reso- lution 3212 (XXIX), unanimously adopted by the General Assembly and endorsed by the Security Coun- cil in'its resolution 365 (1974), and the subsequent Assembly and Council resolutions which lay the valid and essential bases for the solution of the problem of Cyprus. 30. In advocating observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Cypriots, we caU on the parties concerned to refrain from any unilateral action which might adversely affect the prospects for a just and lasting settlement of the problem of Cyprus. 31. In this regard, we consider that the Security Council should study the ';Jues~ion of implementation, within specific time frames, of its relevant resolutions, and should also dt~Cide on the ways ~nd means of ensuring prompt and effective implementation. 32. In closing, my delegation wishes to welcome the intention of the Secretary-General, as expressed in hi~ report [A/37/805 lInd Corr./].....ersonally to pursue with renewed interest the quest. Jr a solution to the problem of C~Trus, and offers i~8 resolute C!§sistance and support fOI~ "\!lY measures· and initiatives he con- siders appropriate, within the context of the mission of good offices entrusted to him by tht~ Security Council, in order to promote the just ;~nd la~ting solution so desired by the Cypriot people and the international community.

It is a matter of deep concern and regret for us that the question of Cyprus still remains unresolved and gravely endangers inter- national peace an.d security in general and the situ- ation in the Mediterranean in particular. The Mediter- ranean are~ is beset by bloc rivalry and an increasing foreign military presence that is transforming local disputes into wider conflicts. There is no doubt that security in the Mediterranean is directly linked to that of Europe and to that of the Middle East and that they are necessarily affecting each other. thCi~~ high-level agreements express the desire and interests of the tW{;' Cypriot communities and naturally of Cyprus as a whole. However, the intercommunal talks have yielded no result and the problem is again being considered here in thle General Assembly. 39. As is the case w~~.h many other crises and with many other major probiems, we are aB quite well aware ofwhat is required in the case ofCyprus. It is clear that we have in the Charter of the United Nations, in the principles of the policy of non-alignment, in the Final Act of Helsinki and in the high-level agreements of 12 February 19771 and 19 May 19792 a comprehen- sive set of principles and a framework for the solution. We feel that all of us are duty-bound to implement them. 40. As is the case with the other international crises, all the parties involved should demonstrate the neces- sary political will and should not try to keep the pres- ent situation dangerously frozen because ofthe absence of mutual trust. There is no other way but to build that trust. and there are many of us to help, and we are also very grateful to the Secretary-General for rendering his own services. It would be ver" danger- ous to harbour illusions that the solution of this crisis can be postponed indefinitely. It would be no less dangerous to try to make the international community become reconciled to lasting violations of sovereignty ~3. The Seventh Conf~ience of Heads of State or Govenlment of Non-Aligned Coun[des, held at New Delhi from 7 to 12 March 1983. once again reaf- firmed the inadmissibility of the policy of/ails accom- plis and of the violation of the legitimate rights of States through military inter~.,;r~tion. In the political declaration of that Conference4 the Heads of State or Government condemned the actions aimed at altering the demographic structure of Cyprus. They stressed the need for solving the: problem of refugees and missing persons. They particularly underlined that unilateral actions and the de facto situation created by the armed forces must not affect the solution of the problem. 44. We believe that resolute action by the General Assembly is indispensable in all cases of violation of sovereignty, of territorial integrity and of the right of peoples freely to decide their destiny; the Republic of Cyprus is regrettably not the only such case in the world. 45. The United Nations resolutions regarding the question of Cyprus should be implemented; they should not remain mere appeals without any effect on the further development of the situation in Cyprus. Yugo~kavia maintains that the United Nations reso- lutions, in particular resolutions 3212 (XXIX) and 34/30, remain of vital significance. Those resolutions still constitute the basis for an effective settlement of the problem of Cyprus and their urgent and full implementation is the responsibility of all Member States, ~s provided by the Charter of the United Nations. . 46. Yugoslavia appreciates all efforts aimed at solving the problem, exerted by all parties involved, partticu- larty the United Nations, and the most valuable personal role of the Secretary-General. We are con- vinced that his renewed personal engagement will enlist the support of all those wishing the solution of

Permit me, first of all, to express to you, Mr. President, on behalf of my delegation and on my own behalf, our most sincere appreciation of the very competent and dignified manner in which you have conducted the proceedings of the Assembly, We are confident that under your able stewardship we will be able to deal with the re- maining issues before us expeditiously and with a sense of purpose and that you will be able to see the ses- sion through to a successful conclusion. 52. The question of Cyprus is again being consid- ered by the Assembly after a lapse of three and a half years. India has always taken a special interest in this question in view of our traditionally warm friendship and close relations with the Government and people of Cyprus and our sincere desire to see a peaceful and political solution of this vexed problem. My dele- gatio'. has in the past actively participated in the deliberations of the General Assembly and the Secu- rity Council on the question of Cyprus, as well as in the efforts of the Cont~ct Group of the non- aligned countries, as a member of that Gr,aup, 53. Cyprus, like India g is a founding mf:mber of the Movement of Non-aligned Countries, and we are committed to lending our full support to the sover- eignty, independence, um;ty, territorial integrity and non-alignment of that friendly country. We consider it a matter of regret that, i~ spite of the repeated calls of the Non-Aligned Movement and the sl&pport of the international community in general, the resolutions of the United Nations in this regard have not yet been implemented. We support resolution 3212 (XXIX) of 1974 and continue to believe in the need for its implementation without further delay. is~and. The intercommunal talks must now be expedited, with a view to concluding them without further delay. 'We believe, at the same time, in the inadmissibility of any kind of external interference or in.tervention in the internal affairs of sovereign States. Foreign military forces must, therefore, be withdrawn from the Republic of Cyprus. 55. We were greatiy encouraged by the conclusion, on 19 May 1979, of the high-level agreement between the leaders of the two communities of Cyprus, under the auspices of the Secretary-General.2 It was our fervent hope that that agreement, which followed the earlier high-level agreement of 12 February 19771, would lead to meaningful and con'structive negoti- ations between the two sides with a view to resolving all aspects of the problem. 56. It is a matter of disappointment, however, that the opportunities provided by those agreements have not been fully seized and that the momentum generated in the intercommunal talks could not be sustained. We regret that the negotiations between the two parties have not made more substantial progress. It remains our conviction that any settlement of the Cyprus question can only be on the basis of those negoti- ations, conducted freely and on a basis of equality. 57. We would like on this occasion to launch an appeal to both parties to resume the intercommunal talks in real earnest, acting with sincerity and honesty and casting aside the legacy of mistrust and' bitter memories inherited from the past. We would also urge all States in general and the parties directly concerned in particular to ensure that no action is taken which might jeopardize the outcome of those talks. The talks must be predicated on the unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of the Republic of Cyprus and on the inadmissibility of altering the demographic structure of Cyprus or promoting any kind of/ails accomplis. Cyprus cannot be divided or partitioned; nor can it be assimilated or amalgamated. The identity and integrity of that island Republie must be preserved at all costs. 58. The Seventh Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held at New Delhi from 7 to 12 March 1983, had occasion to consider the question of Cyprus. The Conference "reiterated its full solidarity and support for the people and Government of the Republic of Cyprus and reaffirmed its respect for that country's inde- pendence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity a~d non-aiignment". The Heads of State or Government also "expressed their deep concern over ~he fact that part of the Republic of Cyprus continues u'nder foreign occupation and demanded the immediate withdrawal of all occupation forces as an essential basis for the solution of' the Cyprus problem. They welcomed the proposal made by the President of the Republic of Cyprus for the total demilitari- zation of Cyprus." 62. I wish to say a word of appreciation for the keen interest shown in this matter by 'the Secretary- General and for the efforts he has consistently made to promote a negotiated settlement. As the Special Representative of his distinguished predecessor, the Secretary-General can claim personal knowledge and experience of this particular question dating back to the days before he assumed his present office. We are gratified by his offer of what he has himself described as a kind of new recommitment. to 'the Cyprus ques- tion in pursuance of the mandate of good offices entrusted to him by the Security Council. We are confident that, with his well-known tact and diplomatic skill and, with the support of all concerned, he will have a constructive contribution to make in leading us forward and injecting new dynamism into the inter- conimimal talks and the efforts to achieve an early settlement of the Cyprus question.

It is a pleasure to meet again under your chairmanship, Mr. President, and to relive some of the exciting days of last autumn. 64. My Government feels 2 special concern for Cy- prus. We have deep historical ties with the island and its peoples. We are linked by treaty. As fellow members of the Commonwealth, we have many ideals and a particular sense of friendship in common. Large num- bers of Cypriots from both communities are settled in Britain. Accordingly, we in Britain have a profound sympathy and understanding for the ,;:ragic circum- stances of the people of Cyprus. 72. My Government is particularly pleased that the Secretary-General has stated in his report that he in- tends to strengthen his personal involvement, within ~he framework of his mission of good offices, and to mak~ every effort to give fresh impetus to the negoti- ating process. We hope that he and his staff will feel able to inject some new ideas into the inter- communal talks, to build on the work done in discus- sion of the ••evaluation" and to offer proposals for a settlement. But, in order to do this, he will need both the co-operation of the parties and the support of the international community. . 73. Accordingly, we urge that this debate and any accompanying resolution should be used to give the Secretary-General a fair wind. At a minimum,-it must help to reconcile rather than to divide the parties. The international community can help by seeking to foster a climate of trust and confidence which is 80. Mr. van WELL (Federal Republic of Germany): The Federal Republic of Germany is very concerned about the lack of progress on the Cyprus question. It has always been ready to assist wherever pos- sible in the .search for a solution to this problem and will continue to do so. It is our 'conviction that, for humanitarian reasons as well as for the sake of peace and stability in the region, an answer to the question of Cyprus must be found very soon. 81. Cyprus and the Federal Republic of Germany share the same democratic tradition and we have long- standing, close economic relations. We realize that the Cyprus question is of great relevance to both Greece, with which we are partners in the European Com- munity, and Turkey, which is associated with the Community and with which we have close relations in many fields. 82. When the General Assembly last debated the problem of Cyprus, at the thirty-fourth session, in 1979, the intercommunal talks had been suspended in June of that year. The interruption of those talks was viewed by the international community as a back- ward step for Cyprus and its people. We therefore welcomed with satisfaction that, following the agree- ment between President Kyprianou and Mr. Denkta§ of 19 May 1979,2 which built on the 12 February 1977 agreement1 between President Makarios and Mr. Denkta§, the talks were resumed on 9 August 1980. 83. Since the time that the General Assembly last considered the question of Cyprus, almost four years have elapsed. The fact that the talks have continued with active assistance from the Secretary-General and his Special Representative has been regarded as a sign of hope and an indication ofongoing endeavours to bring peace to the island in a situation that has already lasted too long. In this process, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Gobbi, has shown great personal commitment, creativity and perseverance. Since November 19~1, when he pres- ented the "evaluation" of the Secretary-General, the talks have provided an opportunity for a thorough analysis of the problem by both sides. We feel it is necessary to go beyond this stage now and achieve substantive progress. 84. We feel that the moment for going further has come. The Secretary-General, who has himselfalways been deeply committed to the search for a solution to the Cyprus problem, is prepared to renew his efforts to pursue )jis mission ofgood offices. We would 'like to encourage him in this endeavour. We believe that the intercommunal talks under the aegis of the Secretary-General, combined with his good offices, provide the avenue that should be pursued further. ~5. In his report to the Security Council of 1 Decem- ber 1982, the Secretary-General has called the inter- communal talks "the best avaihible means of pursuing a concrete and effective negotiating process with the object of achieving an agreed, just and lasting settle- ment of the Cyprus question". 7 ..It is my intention to strengthen my personal involvement within the framework of my mission of goodoffices. In particular, I shall make every effort to give fresh impetus to the negotiating process, following up the work done during the current phase ofthe negotiations. As I have reported on this subject to the Security Council, my effort.s will seek to en- courage the parties to develop an overall synthesis covering the remaining major unresolved issues, and I and my Special Representative shall do our utmost to assist them in this endeavour" [ibid., para. 5]. 87. I think the debate here in the General Assembly can be useful if it provides a helpful stiplUlus for the endeavours of the Secretary-General and for the continuation of the intercommunal talks, but obvi- ously the Secretary-General cannot fulfil this task alone. We need also a clear political resolve on both sides to come to a solution. We do not believe that maintaining the status quo serves the interests ofthe people ofCyprus. On the contrary, thestatus quo on Cyprus remains a source of instability, frustration and potential dangers, not only for Cyprus but for the whole area. 88. For almost 20 years, UNFICYP has helped keep these potential dangers under control, and I should like to put on record our appreciation of its work. We have contributed to meeting the cost of UNFICYP in the past and will continue to do so according to our means. But let me also repeat what has often been said whenever the Force's mandate has had to be renewed: we must not allow peace-keepit:tg to become a substitute for peace-making. My 60vernment there- fore appeals to those who are involved in the Cyprus problem to demonstrate statesmanship and courage in the search for a durable solution.

The Assembly has decided to consider the question of Cyprus at this resumed session after a lapse of three years. In the resolution on the subject-resolution 34/30-adopted on 20 November 1979, the General Assembly recalled the s~quence of events which had led to the situation that obtained in Cyprus and the Assembly resolutions yet unimplemented, and reaffirmed the principles which should govern the condu~t of States in their sear~h for a solution. Those principles, though often repeated, must be restated. They are respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, unity and non-alignment of the Republic of Cyprus. In resolution 34/30, the Assembly demanded the immediate withdrawal of all foreign armed forces and foreign military presence from the Republic of Cyprus . and called for respect for the human rights of all Cypriots and the instituting of measures for the volun- tary return of refugees to their homes. 90. We recognize that all the measures called for in Assembly resolution· 34/30 have not been equally accepted. Nevertheless, we placed our confidence in the feasibility of some progress being made on the basis of the· 10-point agreement of 19 May 19792, concluded under the auspices of the Secretary-Gen- eral, and trusted that, through the machinery of the 92. After the lapse of these three years, it would be desirable to make a brief assessment of what gains have been realized. The report of the Secretary- General of 20 November 19818 set out the proposals of the Turkish-Cypriot interlocutor and the response of his Greek-Cypriot colleague. New proposals that followed revealed the gap that still existed between the two sides, and the commendable efforts of the Secretary-General himself to help with what were described as elements of an "evaluation". The Sec- retary-General stated in his 1981 report· that this "evaluation" does not purport to introduce proposals as a basis for negotiations but only analyses the position and seeks to identify certain major "points of coincidence" and ""equidistance", and he concluded that the intercommunal talks represent the best avail- able method of pursuing this process. In his report of 6 May 1983 the Secretary-General states that the ""evaluation" of the status of negotiations continued to be used as a method ofdiscussion and that during the intervening period the talks have continued to deal with various aspects of the Cyprus problem. 96. We have been reminded from time to time that a solution in Cyprus would be greatly facilitated if the Government of Cyprus left no doubt on the question of enosis, or union with Greece. At an earlier time, this goal was an impediment to a settlement of dif- ferences between the two Cypriot communities. It is, however, our understanding that the Government of Cyprus no longer subscribes to the objective of enosis and that together with this there must also be an assurance of "the territorial integrity of Cyprus and a repudiation of partition of the territory of Cyprus into separate States for the two Cypriot communities. In urging this, we are not saying anything new. Point 8 of the communique issued at the conclusion of the high;.level meeting held at Nicosia under the auspices ofthe Secretary-General on 18 and 19 May 1979 states: ""The independence, sovereignty, territorial in- tegrity and non-alignment of the Republic should be adequately guaranteed against union in whole or in part with any other country and against any form of partition or secession."2 93. The Assembly may not differ with the approach made hi these reports, but we cannot overlook other considerations. In the nearly nine years that have elapsed since the invasion and occupation of Cyprus by foreign troops, there has been no inclination to respond to the Assembly's demand for a withdrawal of those troops. Meanwhile, there has been consoli- dation through unilateral action, such as changes in the demographic structure of Cyprus and changes in title to property, and no measures have been taken to enable a voluntary return of refugees on both sides to their original homes. We are led to the conclusion that these changes, together with the lapse of time, are contributing to a fait accompli rather than to restoring to the Republic of Cyprus its right to sover- eignty, independence and territorial integrity. It is dif- ficult to resist the view that the continued presence of foreign occupation forces militates against the prospect of some tangible outcome in the intercom- munal talks. 97. The constitutional ~md related arrangements, the procedures for all Cypriots to be assured of their security and the exercise o~ their fundamental rights by both the Cypriot communities are measures that can be resolved between the two Cypriot parties. The withdrawal oftroops, together with the acceptance and implementation ofthe proposal for the complete demil- itarization of Cyprus, would create the confidence between the two communities that is essential for hastening this process. ' 94. We would recall what we stated in the Assembly when the quel)tion ofCyprus was discussed in Novem- ber 1978, at the thirty-third session, because what we stated then remains our view: . 98. Almost nine years from the events of 1974 is rather too long a period for us to be reconciled to the situation that exists in Cyprus. We often hear that the passage of time has its healing effects, but in Cyprus, just as we have witnessed elsewhere, time has not proved a great healer. Procrastination is not without advantage to those who seek different solutions. And there is a tendency to accept what "the Government of Sri Lanka does not subscribe to the principle that any State is justified in using its armed forces, howeverjustifiable it mayitselfbelieve that to be, in the settlement of international disputes. My delegation considers it utterly deplorable for any State to use its armed forces

The delegation of the German Democratic Republic wel- comes the debate at this session of the General Assembly, since the Cyprus issue remains unsettled. New deliberations within the framework of the United Nations are required, because the relevant decisions taken by the United Nations on the question ofCyprus have so far been ignored. This is all the more reason for concern, as imperialist forces are making numer- ous attempts to extend their sphere of influence in the Mediterranean also to the littoral States of that region, to involve them directly or indirectly in mili- tary and political alliances and to expand their zone of action to those countries. This increases the da,nger that regional disputes may develop into a world-wide armed conflict~ 101. The close proximity of the hotbeds of conflict and the critical situation in the Middle East cannot be left unnoticed. In the light of the situation prevailing there, the unresolved Cyprus issue not only endangers the peace and security of the peoples of that region, but also has a negative impact on peace and security in the world at iarge. 102. The peoples of that region have clearly shown their determination to put an end to all imperialist manreuvres. This includes the determination that the foreign military bases on Cyprus and in the region be dismantled, that vessels with nuclear weapons be with- drawn from the Mediterranean and that all littoral States which have no nuclear weapons deployed on their territory remain free of nuclear weapons. 103. The German Democratic Republic supports the proposal made at the Assembly's tenth special session by Mr. Spyros Kyprianou, President of the Republic 107. The Government of the German Democratic Republic welcomes the continuation of the inter- communal talks between the two communities of Cy- prus on the basis of relevant United Nations reso- lutions, declarations of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and the high-level agreements, under the auspices ofthe United Nations and with the help ofthe continued good offices of the Secretary-General. We are convinced that those talks will be successful if all inhabitants of Cyprus are given the possibility to settle their G-Nn affairs free from any external interference. We are deeply concerned that external forces are attempting to prolong those talks inde- finitely in order to create new facts which deepen the division of the country. Such acts, which affect the independence, unity and sovereignty of Cyprus, do not benefit the people of Cyprus but render it more difficult to find a just and durable solution to the question of Cyprus. 108. The imperialist policy of confrontation and superarmament has further aggravated the interna- tional situation. Since the end of the Second World War, the situation has never been so serious, as is demonstrated by the fact that the number of crises * Mr. PaPoulias spoke in Greek. The French version of his sta- tement was supplied by the delegation. 120. The United Nations, almtst· from the very beginning of the problem caused by the invasion, became seized ofit, attempting by successive decisions to C"T~ate a framework favourable for the establishment ofconditions which would make it possible to promote a solution of the Cyprus problem within the context of freedom, while at the same time calling for the with- drawal of the invasion forces. 121. For some six years, until September 1980, we witnessed the series of vain efforts to promote a dialogue between the two communities of Cyprus in order to find a solution which would have enabled the Cypriots to live in peace, ensuring for them a better future, ridding Cyprus of occupation forces and restoring the unity of the island, which in this way could have regained its status as a free State. 122. For those six years, it was not possible for the dialogue to progress beyond a minimum number of meetings before foundering on the intransigence of the Turks and the Turkish Cypriots, or, to be more precise, the Tut"ks alone. Indeed, the dialogue, although it was dubbed "intercommunal", remained in fact a dialogue between the Government of Cyprus and the occupying Power, which, thanks to the pres- ence of its troops, always exercised full and total control over all activities in the occupied territories. During this period, we witnessed many initiative~i ta-ken by the occupying Power to consolidate furthef the occupation regime. We saw the creation of a p1.Fk~pet government which called itselfthe "Governmeu'iofthe Turkish Federated State of Kibris". We witnessed the arrival of thousands of settlers for the purpose of changing the demographic structure of Cyprus. We witnessed a whole series of measures which had only one goal: that of consolidating the Turkish presence in Cyprus. 123. Throughout this period, the CypriOi Govern- ment, on repeated occa.sions, gave proof of its good- will. In its efforts to facilitate a solution ofthe problem, it made·, many concessions on questions of vital importance. Unfortunately, those concessions met with no respor.se on the other side, which has been trying since th~t time to present them as definitive, even though they were provk~onal by their very nature, since no concession can be considered definitive be- ,fore the conclusion of a global agreement. 124. There was no concession forthcoming from the other side.' On the contrary, there were provocative statements to the effect that the prevailing situation could'riot, practically speaking, undergo any change. The goal was clear-to confer upon faits accomplis 126. The two and a half years which have elapsed constitute perhaps the most instructive period because they have shown that the intentions of the other side are such that it is impossible, under the present con- ditions, to expect a favourable conclusion to the inter- communal talks. 127. The resolutions of the United Nations on the question of Cyprus recommend that the parties hold talks which are to .be conducted in total liberty. What kind of free talks can there be when a sizeable part of the Republic of Cyprus is occupied by invasion forces which, unimpeded, have been imposing their will on the Turkish Cypriots and which constitute at the same time a constant threat to the part of the Republic of Cyprus which has remained free? What sort of free talks can there be .when' threats are made to declare the occupied part of the island an independent State and when the occupying Power is constantly taking new steps to consolidate its control and extend its jurisdicd(Jn over the occupied ter- ritories? 128. Then~ are many examples. Suffice it to men- tion the recen.t decision concerning the introduction into the occupied territories of the currency of the occupying Power. This is tangible proof of the efforts under way to bring about a definitive annexation of the occupied tenimries. Let us have no illusions about the'kind of liberty that negotiations can have when there is an army ready to impose by force the will of its leaders. Unfortunately, the examples are not limited to Cyprus. That is why the head of the Greek Government, Mr. Andreas Papandreou, has pro- posed the withdrawal of the Turk~sh occupation forces from Cyprus so that talks may be conducted under truly free conditions. 129. Since the Turkish Cypriot'J apparently claim that they need protection because, supposedly, they fear the GreekCypriots, the Prime MinisterofGreece proposed an expansion ofUNFICYP in order to give the Turkish Cypriots the feeling of security they claim to need. The response to this was that, unfortunately, United Nations'peace-keeping forces had not proved capable, in the past, of effectively protecting those ,whom ,they were supposed to protect. Permit me to point out that this difficulty can be easily remedied if the neces- 132. Everyone will recall the expectations that those proposals aroused. Everyone will recall athat those proposals were presented as being positive 9 generous, constructive and negotiabfe. But when they were actually submitted, it turned out that the Turkish side had simply put in writing proposals that they had more or less already submitted in the past and that could not possibly have led to the fair result expected because, with those proposals, Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots were only making slight modifications to the line where the invasion force halted by restoring to their legitimate owners a tiny percentage of the occupied territory. None ofthe problems created by the invasion were resolved by those proposals-neither the sense of fairness, whereby it is unthinkable that a minority of 18 per cent should be in possession ofan amount ofterritory doubie that to which it would be entitled on a population basis;' nor the problem of refugees, only a tiny number of whom would have been able to r~turn home; nor the problem ofrestoring to the Greek Cypriots the resources \\hich had been taken from them following the invasion. \33. In spite ofthe severe disappointment created by those proposals and naturally felt by the Cypriot Government, it refrained once again from abandoning a dialogue. That dialogue had, however, proved its futility, because for long years one of the two parties had not only maintained its original positions without making the slightest concession, but had also delib- erately avoided clarifying its intentions on a number of important questions. It may legitimately be asked what could be expected from such talks. 137. The purpose of the Cypriot Government's re- course to the General Assembly has been explained by my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic ofCyprus, Mr. Rolandis [/16th meeting]. The goal of the Greek Government is that the inter- national community should give the Cypriot Govern- ment the solidarity it needs to ensure that the other party is prevailed upon to show the constructive attitude necessary for the intercommunal talks at last to succeed and the problem of Cyprus to be solved. 138. What the Cypriot Government wants is very simple. It is not looking for artificial solutions un- known in international life; it is asking only for what has been applied successfully in all the States of the world. It is asking for what has been recognized as the right ofall the countries in the worV~a solution which will guarantee the sovereignty, independence, territorial integlity and unity ofthe. Republic ofCyprus and provide for the application of the democratic prin,.iples recognized by the entire international community in an the areas' of the State structure of the Republic of Cyprus, both horizontally and ver- tically. 134. Another year and a half has elapsed since the Turkish Cypriots submitted their territorial pro- posals-another year an'" a h&lf of efforts whiCh have led nowhere in spite of the new attempt made by the former Secretary-General to promote the talks. Under the circumstances, it was inevitable and necessary that the Cypriot Government should have mice again turned to the General Assembly to call for the support of the international community. That decision by the Cypriot Government enjoys the full and whole- hearted support ef ~hp Greek Government which, as the representative of a people which has close blood ties with the majority of the Cypriot people, feels that 139. The Greek Government whole-heartedly and un- reservedly endorses those objectives of the Govern- ment of Cyprus. Cyprus is a small State. That is why it needs the solidarity ofthe United Nations much more than States which are capable of tackling alone the difficuJties created for them by other countries. 149. The nine years since 1974 have unfortunately widened the gap between the two parties, and no further p~intless delay should be added~ France urges all the parties concerned to act with resolution and good faith to find a settlement.

Since 1954, when the question of Cyprus was first brought before the United Nations, the Cyprus file in the Organization has grown very considerably. New pages were added to it almost every year, even after the island Republic attained its hard-won independence in 1960, with new additions becoming ever more numerous after the ominous events nf the summer of 1974. 15] . I am sure that everyblJdy present in this Hail would agree that the time is long overdue for finding a solution that would finally bring lasting peace, stability and justice to the Icng-suffering people of Cyprus. 157. Similarly, the S~venth Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held at New Delhi from 7 to 12 March 1983, while noting with concern the lack of progress in the intercom- munal talks, at the same time "expressed the hope that they would be carried out meaningfully and constructively so as to lead to a speedy. mutually acceptable solution ofthe problem, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions, starting with General Assembly resolution 3212 (XXIX), endorsed by Security Council resolution 365 (1974), the decisions and declarations of the Non-Aligned Movement, which it reaffirmed, and the High-Level Agreements of 12 February 1977 and of 19 May 1979".~ 158. We are convinced that, given the necessary political will, it would be possible without delay to elaborate, within this framework, the internal c\Jn- stitutional order of the Republic l)f Cyprus, acceptable to all those concerned. Our conviction is strengthened by the firm belief that it is not the difference of language, culture or religion of the two Cyprus propcsa~of President Kypiianou~orthe total demiHta- dzafon of Cyprus. H~:. Based upon the prilt~iples and practical meas- ures I have mentioned, we wish to lend our support to the (haft resoluHon [A/37lL.63] suhmitted by the Contact GtOt',:, of ~he non-aligned c(';":.m,-Jries. \Ve ai'e doing so be,-ause that dmf~ takes in~o aCCQPot ai: relevant U~iied Nations resolutions and dectara~ions of the Movement (;f Non-Aligned Cou0tries and~ in partncular, cans fOI intercomrnunai taiks conducted under the auspices of the Secretary",General. Further- more, it aftlrrm', the right of the R.(~public of Cyprus and its peopl!e t" full and ~ff.ectiv~ ~9nirol over the entire territory of the jsia~~d and ~~s n~tur3.1 ~ud other reSOl:rces. 162. FinaHy, we wou~d like to .stress tha~ de fr,('w situations cre~ted by force are inadmh;s;[' ~e ~nd sh>uld in no way affect ~h~ solution of the problem of Cyprus. 163. In our opinion, adop'iion of th~ ':Iraft resolution would Cieate the basis for result-oriented negotiations between the representatives of the two communities and thus contribute to a jusi and lasting solution of the whole problem.

Ii. ;3 now over three years since the Generai Assembly considered the question of Cyprus. During this period, intensive efforts have been undertaken by the Secretary-Gen- eral and his Special Representative, Mr. Hugo Gobbi, to bring the positions of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities closer together. The intercom- munal talks have also produced results in certain lim~ted areas. A final comprehensive solution of the problem has, however, remained elusive. We continue to face a situation that not only affects the peace and. stability of Cyprus but also has far-reaching con- sequences for the security of the whole sensitive Mediterranean region. 165. The necessary elements on which any compre- hensive and just solution of the Cyprus question will have to be based were outlined in General Assembly resolution 3212 (XXIX) and have most recently been reiterated in the political declaration of th~ Seventh. Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held at New Delhi from 7 to 12 March 1933.4 They include respec! for the sover- eignty, independence and territorial integrity of Cy- involve~ent in the Cyprus negotiating process, and we are confident that his long persona~ experience of this problem wili help in tackling the unresolved issues; but? as the Secretary-Genera~ hims~lf has stated in his report on lhe work of the Organization; the adoption of a resolution and the good offices of the Secre~ary-General can sery.;. only as a sprin~· board for govemment actio'l [see A13711, p. 3]. Concerted di:->lomatic efforts and the political will of the Govemmel'ts involved are the essential com- plement to br~ng a medi.ation effort to fruition. Hi8. As one Q~ the countries contr;bu~i!!~ substan- I l~aliy to UNIF~CYP by putting troops and police force and hospntal personnel at the disposal of the United Nations, Austr~a has translated its concern over the prevailing situation in Cyprus into concrete action, and a number of Austrian soldiers have given their lives in fulfilment of the peace-keeping role of the United Nations on the island. Our participation in UNFICYP is a commitment which we are ready to continue for the maintenance of international peace and security. We cannot, however, hide our profound dissatisfaction with the present financing modalities of UNFICYP, nor can we ignore the huge budgetary deficit wh~ch has accumulated over the years. We therefore strongly NOTES S/123;~'3, para. 5. 2 Ibid., Thirty-!ourth Year, Supplemelll for April. May and June /979. document S/13369 and Add.l, para. 51. , 3 Final Act of the Conference on Security and'C .·operation in Europe, signed at Helsinki on I August 1975. 4 A/38/l32, annex. . 5 Ibid., chap. I, pal'2.s. 128-130. 6 It':;',:l., para. 131. 8 A/36/7C2. 9 See Offidal Records of the Securit}' Council. Thirty-eighth Year, Supplemelll for January, February cmd March /983. docu- ment S/l5556, annex, sect. IV.