A/37/PV.119 General Assembly

The question of Cyprus has been on the agenda of the Assembly for a number of years. The fundamental problems-political as well as humanitarian-remain unsolved. There has been very little progress in the efforts to find a durable solution. This is a matter of grave concern to the Government of Sweden. 2. The principles that must govern a solution are evident. They have been spelled out by the General Assembly, notably in its resolution 3212 (XXIX), of 1 November 1974. They includf respect for the sovereighty, independence and territorial integrity of Cyprus and for its right to be non-aligned. All foreign tiOOPS must be withdrawn and all foreign inter- ference in its affairs must ce~se.

Mr. President, I wish to take this opportunity to express onceagain, on behalfof my Government, our sincere congratulations to you in your capacity as President of this resumed session of the General Assembly. My delegation is pleased with the impeccable manner in which you have con- ducted the affairs of the thirty-seventh sess;on. 8. The question of Cyprus has been with the inter- national community for a long time and yet, s~nce the serious events of 1974, no solution has been found to setde this outstanding problem. The prolon- gation of the Cyprus crisis, as we all know, poses a serious threat to international peace and security. 3. The experience of intercommunal talks has shown that the Secretary-General and his Special Represen- tative play an indgspensable role in keeping those talk~ going, in identifying possible ways to go forward and in untiringly promoting compromise and accom- modation between the parties. It is not for want of skilful and imaginative assistance from the Secretary- General that the parties have fa3led so far to make any substantial progress in their talks. It is our sincere hope that the renewed effort, promised by the Sec- retary-General in h;s report [A/37/805 and Corr./], to give a fresh impetus to the negotiating process will su.cceed in breaking the pattern of mutual distrust· that stands stubbornly in the" way of compromise of any kind. The Swedish Government expresses its fuU support for those efforts. Direct negotiations be- tween the two communities are ihe key to any sub- stantial progress towards a final settlement of t~e Cyprus problem. 9. The root cause of the Cyprus crisis is the partial military occupation ofthat country by a foreign Power. There cannot be any genuine agreement between the Cypriot communities as long as that country rem:dns militarily occupied. My delegation would like to reaf- firm our strong belief in the principle of the inadmis- sibility of the occupation and acquisition of territories by force. My delegation, in the spirit of the non- aligned countries, reiterates its full support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. 10. The Gen,c;rd Assembly in its effort to solve the problem of Cy:p~'Us, unanimously adopted resolution 3212 (XXIX), which was subsequently endorsed by the Security Council in its resolution 365 (1974). Those reSOlutions, together with the subsequent As- sembly and Council resolutioT,ls, still provide an essential basis for the resolution of the problems of Cyprus. We believe that, in the interest of all Cypriots and the world community, those resolutions· should be effectively implemented without delay. 4. Nineteen years ago UNFICYP was set up. During all these years Sweden has contributed troops. The successive extensions of the mal1date of the Force have been meant to give the parties time to find their way to a constructive accommodation of their conflict. United Nations peace-keeping aCtivities are not, how- ever, intended to serve as an excuse for inactivity in the quest for a settlement. 5. When it comes to the financing of the peace- keeping operation, the costs must be shared more equitably by the States Members ofthe United Nations, many of whom have so eloquently expressed their 11. We urge the people of Cyprus, with whom we have cordial relations, to bury their sectional communal interests for the benefit of all CYl)rus. We encourage them to continue with their inter- NEW YORK interfer~ng in the internal affairs of Cyprm~. It is our view that intercommunal talks will not be fruitful as long as .Cyprus remains militarily occupied. We therefore call for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign occupation forces as an essential basis for a lipeedy and mutually acceptable solution, long over- due, to the problem of Cyprus.

Almost four years have elapsed since the General Assembly considered the qU(~stion of Cyprus and adopted resolution 34/30, which called, inter alia, for the urgent resumption in a meaningful, result~oriented and constructive manner of the negotiations, under the auspices of the Sec- retary-General, between the two communities of Cyprus. It was not the first time that we felt a certain measure ofoptimism when, in August 1980, we learned that agreement had been reached by the two parties to resume tl:e negotiating process. In fact, we fully shared the hOl-'e of the Secretary-General, expressed in his report to ..he 01irty-flfth session of the General Assemblyl, that this development would clear the way towards a just and lasting political settlement of the Cypnls problem. 14. Now, an of us are aware that the intercommunal talks have not thus far led to a solution of the mani- fold issues involved. The situation in Cyprus, with all its implications for peace and security in the eastern Mediterranean and even beyond that region, has re- mained unsettted for a~most a decade and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations are still to be imple- mented". The Hungarian deleg~tion's approach to the current debate is motivated by an earnest desire that our discussion contribute to the revival dnd acceleration of substantive negotiations between the two communities. Consequently, we hold the view that the General Assembly, representing the international community, :,hould act i~ a constructive and reason- able manner to promote the reconciliation of the par- ties directly concerned. It is in this spirit that we wish to offer our remarks on the question of Cyprus at this resumed session of the Assembly. 15. The Government of the Hungarian People's Republic attaches great significance to the quest for a peaL ul, viable and lasting solution to the problem of Cyprus. Such a solution must be based '1 full respect for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, ur.i~y and non-aligned status ofthe Republic ofCyprus, in accordance with the Charter and the relevant reso- ~utions of the United Nations. 16. One of the latest developments in the interna- tional arena towards support for the Republic.ofCyprus is positively reflected in the relevant part of the politi- cal declaration of the Seventh Conference of Heads of St~te or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held at New Delhi from 7 to 12 March 1983.2 The Hungarian delegation we~Gomes that declaration in this respect too. The Republic of Cyprus, as one of the founding members of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, enjoys the firm support of the Hungarian people and its Governmrnt, and we have more than once 17. We realize also that foreign intervention should cease and that all foreign troops and military personnel and every other military presence should be withdrawn flom the island, in order to facilitate the solution of the Cyprus prob!em. In this connection, we can only welcome and support the proposal of President Spyros Kyprianou, put forward at the tenth special session of the General Assembly [2nd meeting, para. 145], for the complete demilitarization of the country. Such a development would not only be in the interest of the people of Cyprus but would also promote the cause of peace and stability in the whole region. 18. The Government of the Hungarian People's Republic has always been against imposing a solution on the long-suffering people of Cypru-:;. The Cypriot people, whose continuing tragedy has been inflicted upon its country by unlawful acts of outside forces, has our deep sympathy and solidarity. We continue to believe that the forum ofthe intercommunal talks is the most appropriate framework for the substantive issues to be tackled and resolved. 19. Accordingly, my delegation wishes to express its concurrence with the view expressed in the course of this debate by many speakers that the solution of the question of Cyprus must be based on the resolutions of the United Nations, as well as on the Makarios- Denk..a~ guidelines of 12 February 19773 and the lO-point agreement of 19 May 19794 arrived at between the President of the Republic ef Cyprus and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community. In our well-considered judgement, such a solution must, on the one hand, definitely avoid the division of the island and, on the other, take ir.) account the legitimate rights and interests of both cOq'lmunities, the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot alike. Any viable settlement should also provide for guarantees of the human rights of all Cypriot citizens. Unilateral actions in the opposite direction-as, for example, efforts to change the demographic structure ofthe country or the increasing of military presence cn the island-are detrimental to the process of negotiations and their successful outcome. 20. 'We strongly believe that it is up to the two communities to decide the future of the country with- out any outside interference. Their leaders bear a special responsibility to their own people for reaching a just and permanent solution to the outstanding issues without any delay. The present debate should facilitate the attainment of tangible results and, it is to be hoped, a comprehensive settlement at the inter- communal talks. 21. The situation in Cyprus is a problem of inter- national magnitude the continuation of which jeopardizes and threatens the peace and security not only of the eastern Mediterranean but also of Europe, and the crisis makes its effect felt also on the outlook and prospects for international peace and security in general. As a matter of fact, forces alien to the region have made and are still making use of this tragic situation for their own selfish purposes t for 26. It is clear that a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus has occurred, which, inter alia, makes difficult any pos- sibility of progress by the representatives of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities, in the search for a just and lasting solution, free from foreign interference. 27. The ideal atmosphere will not be created as long as the unconditional withdrawal of the troops which are illegally occupying part of the territory of Cyprus is not achieved. As a gesture of co-operation, the President of all the inhabitants of Cyprus, Spyros Kyprianou, who was recently re-elected by the demo- cratic process, proposed the complete demilitarization of the country, an initiative which deserves the sup- port of the international community. We must give equal support to the Secretary-General and his Special Representative in their efforts to bring about a politi- cal solution to this sensitive question. 28. In the final analysis, the problem of Cyprus will have to be resolved ultimately by the Cypriots them- selves, with the clear understanding that at no time 33. The lives of the people of Cyprus continue to be dominated by the de facto partition of their country and the presence of foreign armed forces on the ter- ritory of the Republic of Cyprus. If the present inter- communal talks fail to produce tangible results, it could very well be that tension in Cyprus will rise again. The present status quo remains a source of instability, frustration and potential danger, not only for Cyprus but for the whole area. In his report of 1 December 1982 to the Security Council,6 the Sec- retary-General warned that the time to solve the Cyprus problem appears to be eroding. It would in- deed be a great tragedy, if the "window of oppor- tunity", which was opened when both parties agreed to reSUfile their direct negotiations, were again to be closed. 34. The Government of the Netherlands remains convinced that direct negotiations between the parties concerned are the only viable way that can lead to a peaceful settlement guaranteeing the territorial integ- rity, indep_endence and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus. We therefore call on all parties concerned to continue with renewed determination their search for a peaceful settlement, acceptable to both sides to the conflict. 'Ve welcome the already announced inten- tion of the Secretary-General to pursue a renewed personal invoivement in the quest for a solution to the Cyprus problem. We would like to express our deep appreciation for the patience and perseverance displayed by the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, Mr. Hugo Gobbi, in the execution of his mandate in Cyprus, and we continue to attach great importance to the role of the Secretary-General in assisting the parties concerned in their search for a lasting settlement. 35. In view of the close· relations of my country with Cyprus and its people, which has endured so many hardships, we will continue our efforts to con- vince our friends that a peaceful and just solution to the Cyprus problem is possible. A good deal of imagi- nation, courage and mutual trust will be needed to reach a comprehensive settlement. We earnestly hope that all leaders involved will exercise the statesmanship required in this regard. 36. In conclusion, I would like to express once more our appreciation for the work of UNFICYP, which plays a significant role in the maintenance of peace in Cyprus.

The question of Cyprus is once again before the General Assembly. We note with concern and regret that the efforts ofall the parties concerned during the period under review have not led to the elimination of the crisis or to a just and lasting settlement of the question. As the United Nations has noted on many oc~asions in the past, the situation in the island still remains a source of tension, constituting a potential threat to peace and security not only in that region but also on a broader scale. 39. Bulgaria's policy in that region and its relations with neighbouring countries are based on the deep and lasting interests of the Bulgarian people, which are fully consonant with the interests of the peoples of other Balkan countries. As the President of the Coun- cil of State of the People's Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Zhivkov, stated recently in an interview: "The salient and crucial feature of Bulgaria's Balkans policy is its desire that the Balkans remain a region of peace and security and that the Balkan peoples, which have experienced difficult times in the past, enjoy a climate of confidence, under- standing, friendship, good-neighbourliness and mutual co-operation." 40. This policy was embodied in the comprehensive programme for the strengthening of peace, under- standing, co-operation and good-neighbourliness in the Balkans which was proclaimed at the Twelfth Congress of the Communist Party of Bulgaria, a programme which was subsequently supplemented by a proposal for the transformation of the Balkans into a nuc1ear- free zone and other constructive initiatives with the objective of achieving peace and co-operation in the regIOn. 41. This policy of peace is the foundation of our relations with all neighbouring countries. It is our deep conviction that constructive dialogue, goodwill, under- standing, mutual trust and co-operation constitute the c-aly viable way to serve the vital interests of all the peoples of the Balkan peninsula. 42. Within the framework of this policy, my country also maintains traditional ties offriendship, co-oper- ation and understanding with the Republic of Cyprus, for whose people we have deep and sincere sympathy. 43. The People's Republic of Bulgaria has on many occasions set forth its position on the question of Cyprus, both in the United Nations and in other multilateral and bilateral forums. My country has always felt that ajust and lasting solution of this ques- tion can be found only on the basis of the preser- vation of the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, policy of non-alignment and unity of the Republic of Cyprus, and on the basis of the complete demilitarization of the island and respect for the in- terests of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. 44. There can be no doubt that the achievement of a peaceful, just and lasting solution of the question of Cyprus is a complex process. At the same time, we are profoundly convinced that both the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots, who are united by history and by common interests, can find a way to mutual understanding in the context of a united Cyprus, without external interference. sio:'~s, the essential element in efforts towards achieving a just and viable solution of the problem of Cyprus is that progress be made in the negotiations between the two Cypriot communities. We believe that the inter- communal negotiations should be continued and intensified. with more active participation by the United Nations. Romania's support for a negotiated political solution of the problem of Cyprus derives from its well-known commitment to the settlement of all disputes and all problems by peaceful means, through negotiations. We hope most sincerely that the - intercommunal negotiations will lead as quickly as possible to suitable, mutually acceptable agreements. 57. We hope that the present debate will" help bring us closer to a just and lasting solution of the problem of Cyprus on the basis of the principles of the inde- pendence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of Cyprus, bearing in mind the interests of all Cypriots and the cause ofpeace and co-operation in the Balkans, Europe and throughout the world. 58. Romania, for its part, will continue to support all efforts and actions likely to make an effective con- tribution to the achievement of such a solution.

At the outset, Sir, I should like to reiterate the warm congratulations of the delegation of the Lao People's D~mocraticRepublic on your unanimous elec- tion last September to the prestigious post of President of the General Assembly. We know that under your wise and very able leadership the first and bulky part of the proceedings of the Assembly's thirty-seventh session has been brought to a successful conclusion, and today my delegation is fully confident that this resumed session of the Assembly will be crowned with success. My delegation would like also to assure the other Assembly officers of its full co-operation. 61. The Government and people of Laos have always had great admiration for the people of Cyprus, whc, under the dynamic and wise guidance of their leaders, have been striving bravely for many years to preserve their hard-won independence and freedom. The Lao people are very well aware of the suffering undergone by the Cypriot people, because they themselves experienced for more than 30 years the painful ordeals brought about by the prolonged and devastating war of foreign aggression. 67. Mr. NAWAZ (Pakistan): It is a matter for regret that the question of Cyprus has come up once again before the General Assembly after its consideration was deferred at the thirty-fifth and thirty-sixth sessions in the hope of an early resolution of the problem through the intercommunal talks which are being held under the good offices of the Secretary-General. 68. At the same time, we have noted with satis- faction that, in his report, the Secretary-General has informed the Assembly of the substantial progress achieved in the intercommunal talks. The Secretary- General's Special Representative was successful in identifying the areas of convergence and divergence in the positions of the two parties in a United Nations 63. It is regrettable that the high-level to-point "evaluation" paper which became the accepted basis agreement reached between President Kyprianou and for the talks. The negotiations are now proceeding in Mr. Denkta§ on 19 May 19794 and the agreement of a comprehensive manner covering all aspects of the 12 February 19773 have remained unimplemented. problem within the framework of the ideas contained My delegation hails and praises the untiring efforts in that "evaluation" paper. We are gratified to learn made by the Secretary-General within the framework from the Secretary-General's report that the atmo- of his good-offices mission 'to further the intercom- sphere of the talks remained throughout co-operative munal negotiating process. Indeed, we are very happy and constructive. to note that, in paragraph 5 of his report of6 May 1983, the Secretary-General pledged to "make every effort 69. We greatly appreciate the Secretary-General's to give fresh impetus to the negotiating process, fol- endeavours and his decision to strengthen his personal lowing up the work done during the current phase of involvement in order to give a fresh impetus to the the negotiations." We also pay a high tribute to the negotiating process, which deserves our full support Contact Group of the non-aligned countries for its and encouragement. In our view, the Secretary- General's good offices offer the most promising patient and sustained efforts towards resolving the prospects for the resolution of the Cyprus question. CrISIS. 64. We earnestly hope that, pursuant to General 70. The key to the settlement of the Cyprus issue Assembly resolution 3212 (XXIX), of 1 November lies in recognition of the aspiration of the Greek and Turkish communities of the island to live under one 1974, endorsed by the Security Council in its reso- federation and to ensure that their distinctive charac- lution 365 (1974), of 13 December 1974, and to General ters and interests are fully preserved and secured. Assembly resolution 34/30, of 20 November 1979, the This aspiration was embodied in the important high- international community will continue its endeavours level agreements reached between Archbishop to alleviate the plight of the refugees and displaced Makarios and Mr. Denkta§ on 12 February 19773 persons and to help them to return in safety to their and between Mr. Kyprianou and Mr. Denkta§ on homes, if they so wish. Furthermore, it is to be hoped 19 May 1979.4 The affirmation of the validity of those that all parties concerned will desist from all unilateral agreements has been the starting-point of the Sec- actions that could further aggravate the crisis and retary-GeneraI's initiative for the resolution of the diminish the chances of the intercommunal talks being problem. resumed at the earliest possible date. It is also our hope that those talks, in which the legitimate inter- 71. The two agreements called for an independent, ests of each party should be fully taken into account, non-aligned, bi-communal federal republic of Cyprus will lead to tangible results. and for a bi-zonal solution to the territorial aspect 62. In the case of Cyprus, my Government is of the view that the only just and lasting solution to all the problems will be found in the speedy and full implementation of the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council, which call, inter alia, for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops from the island, the dismantling of all bases, the cessation of external interference in Cyprus'~. internal affairs, respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, the restoration of the constitutional regime of the Republic and respect for its non-aligned character. succin~tly in the following words: "The intercommunal talks, in my opinion, still represent the best available 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 He also states that: "It is the responsibility of all concerned not to let that window be closed. It is my earnest hope that all leaders involved will exercise the states- manship and courage required in this regard. I shall do my utmost to assist them in this endeavour."6 75. The Contact Group of the non-aligned countries, which visited Cyprus following the Seventh Con- ference of Heads of State or Government of Non- Aligned Countries, held at New Delhi last March, was also fully conscious of the bi-communal character of the problem and therefore found it necessary to meet the leadership of both the Turkish Cypriot and the Greek Cypriot communities. The Contact Group has yet to present a report on its findings. Its approach to both the communities, however, has underlined the imperative need for the continuation of an inter- communal dialogue and an agreement between the two communities, which alone can bring about a settle- ment of the problem. 76. In our judgement, the same basic condition must guide the deliberations of the General Assembly now that the issue has been brought before it for consid- eration. The Assembly must do everything to ensure that the talks are pursued with greater vigour and soon reach a successful conclusion. We regret to state that draft resolution A/37iL.63 militates against such an objective and is contrary to the spirit of peace and harmony in Cyprus. 77. The draft resolution has already drawn a strong reaction from the Turkish Cypriot representatives, who 83. The Assembly once again has before it the ques- tion of Cyprus. Several delegations have emphasized the complexity ofthis question and insisted, in particu- lar, on the need to find a speedy and just solution. My delegation fully shares this almost unanimous sentiment and has already had an opportunity, both here and at the Seventh Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held at New Delhi last March, to state its position with regard to this question, the various ramifications of which my delegation has followed, marked as they 93. This is quite natural, since the people of Cyprus have suffered a great many difficulties and vicissitudes. In recent years, they have been beset by many sore trials and were almost brought to their knees when an attempt was made to turn independent Cyprus into a pliant tool of international reaction. In a word, the problem of Cyprus is a painful wound, a constant running sore, which poisons the life of the Cypriots. 94. The United Nations has been dealing for many years with the problem of Cyprus. The General Assembly and the Security Council have adopted a number of constructive resolutions. Unfortunately, however, they have not been implemented, nor has a solution to the problem been found. Furthermore, as the Secretary-General's report to the Security Coun- cil indicates,6 what has been called "the window of opportunity" to resolve· the question of Cyprus has, with the passage of time, gradually been closing. 95. The main reason for this situation is the activities of those external forces, and primarily North Atlantic Treaty Organization [NATO] circles, which regard Cyprus chiefly as a strategic beach-head in the Mediter- ranean, with access to the Middle East with its natural resources, particularly oil. For that reason, they are not anxious for the Cypriot problem to be resolved, and they have spared no attempts to circumvent resolutions of the United Nations on Cyprus and to exclude this important problem from the purview of the United Nations. 96. As a whole, the crisis prevailing in Cyprus is a result of the continuing intervention in the domestic affairs of a sovereign State Member of the United Nations. This had led to the continuation of the de facto partition of the island and constitutes a threat to i 107. Ifthese efforts were to inspire in the two parties the same desire to succeed and the same determi- nation to break the deadlock, it appears to us that a solution could be found which would respect the rights and interests of both communities and would also be based on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and effectively safeguard the unity, territorial integrity ~md independence of the Republic of Cyprus. 110. Interference and intervention by other Powers, on behalf of either community, will not, as develop- ments have already proved to us, lead to acceptable or lasting solutions. Such interference will only cause increased distrust, disunity and suspicion between the two communities. No matter what efforts are made if an atmosphere of this sort is allowed to prevail and persist, Cyprus will remain a land torn asunder. My delegation believes that the two Cypriot communities, no matter what their ethnic origins, are one- people of a single sONereign nation. We believe that the dispute between them can be resolved by the communities themselves without any foreign interference or intervention. 111. We also cannot condone the presence of any foreign troops in any country under any pretext what- soever. The independence and sovereignty of a nation will never be ensured if such acts of military inter- vention and occupation are given justification. The internal affairs of a sovereign nation are the respon- sibility of its own peDple and none other. We hold these principles sacrosanct. In view of this, as we deplored the presence of foreign troops and occu- pation elsewhere, so do we now in this case. 112. We are gratified to note from the Secretary- General's report that he will be further intensifying his efforts to bring progress to the intercommunal talks. As noted by several speakers, the Secretary- General is uniquely qualified to act as mediator in view of his past involvement as the special representative of his predecessor. We hope that the Secretary- General's role as mediator will be facilitated by all concerned and the atmosphere made conducive, so as to permit him to succeed. 113. Very recently, another multilateral forum was able to consider the issue of Cyprus at its highest political level. I refer to the Seventh Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Coun- tries, held at New Delhi last March. At that Con- ference, the Heads of State or Government had an opportunity to examine and deliberate on the problem facing Cyprus. The political declaration of that Con- ference2 explicitly highlighted four points on the question of Cyprus. First, the Conference reaffirmed respect for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and non-alignment of Cyprus. Se- condly, the Conference, while expressing its deep con- cern over the fact that part of the Republic of Cyprus continues under foreign occupation, demanded the immediate withdrawal of all occupation forces as an essential basis for reaching a solution of the Cyprus problem. Thirdly, the Conference called for respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all 119. The record of the problem of Cyprus is a clear example of the grave consequences of the rule of the colonialist Powers, of the aggressive expansionist policy, plots and intrigues of the imperialist super- Powers and their interference in the internal affairs of other countries to satisfy their own ambitions by fomenting and instigating conflicts, quarrels and divi- sions among peoples in different parts of the world or among the people of one country, as in the case of Cyprus. 120. Regrettably, we are obliged to observe that a just solution of the prQblem of Cyprus has not yet been achieved and that the obstacles impeding the path to a genuine solution have not been reduced. There still exists a tense and explosive situation and, as a consequence, Cyprus remains a hotbed of tension and conflict in the eastern Mediterranean. 121. Today, the just and lasting solution of the problem of Cyprus is of a special significance. The geographical position of Cyprus in the Mediter- ranean, where the imperialist super-Powers-the 126. The Soviet social-imperialists, on the other hand, have constantly propagated proposals for the internationalization of this problem and the convening ofan international conference, so as to make it possible for them to play a full part in the intrigues against the people of Cyprus. 127. The Governm~nt of the Socialist People's Republic of Albania has always maintained that only a just and lasting solution of the problem of Cyprus would put an end to the existing turbulent situation in that country. The Albanian delegation supports any constructive step that might be helpful to this end. We share the view expressed by many delegations during this debate that intercommunal talks by the Cypriot people, without any foreign interference, would provide the basis for a genuine solution of the 130. In expressing the best wishes and sentiments of the Albanian people and their Government to the Cypriot people, to the two communities of the island, the Albanian delegation wishes to reiterate its well- known position in favour of an urgent and just solu- tion of this problem through intercommunal talks, which is the only just way of serving the interests of the free, independent and sovereign State of Cyprus, as well as the interests of peace and security in the Balkans and Europe. 131. Cyprus is an independent and sovereign State, a State Member of the United Nations, and so it should remain. No one has the right to interfere in its internal affairs in order to impo'se a solution which runs contrary to the free will expressed by the Cypriot people. 132. Our delegation wishes to reiterate that the Albanian Government strongly maintains its un- changeable position in favour of an independent Cypriot State with full respect for the national freedom, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic ofCyprus. Ourdelegation will support any positive step that contributes to the urgent and just solution of the problem of Cyprus and to the estab- lishment of harmony and understanding between the Cypriot communities.

Mr. President, I should like to express once again our satisfaction at the fact that you are presiding over the deliberations of this resumed session of the General Assembly. 134. My delegation has followed with close attention the various statements that have been made on the question of Cyprus, and we share the widespread con- cern at the absence of a definitive solution to that 143. As you know, the question of Cyprus has been a focus of United Nations attention since 1964. At the , 148. We commend the proposals made by the Presi- dent of Cyprus, Mr. Kyprianou, to the Assembly's tenth special session [ibid.], for the immediate and complete ~emilitarization of Cyprus. Czechoslovakia has in the past supported and continues to support a just political solution to the question of Cyprus which would ensure the complete independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and confirm its status as a non-aligned State. We will continue to stand behind the Cypriots in their struggle for independence, the freedom oftheir country and the withdrawal of foreign troops and against foreign inter- ference in their internal affairs. 149. A just, lasting and viable solution to the ques- tion of Cyprus in the interests of the Cypriots them- selves must be sought through specific and construc- tive talks, in accordance with the aims and principles of the Charter and relevant resolutions of the United Nations. We are persuaded that an important role in 151. In this connection, I would recall that States parties to the Warsaw Treaty, including my country, have frequently emphasized that in order to settle conflicts it is extremely important to have a political dialogue on an even-handed basis. That position was once again reiterated in the political declaration adopted at a meeting of the Political Consultative Committee of the States Parties to the Warsaw Treaty, held a~ Prague last January,S and in the communique issued after the April meeting of the Committee of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the States parties to that Treaty, which also took place at Prague. 9 152. We are convinced that the proposals of the Soviet Union on the convening of a representative international conference on Cyprus under the auspices of the United Nations lO are extremely timely. Such a conference, held in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, would lead to the speedy implementation of the resolutions adopted by the United Nations and provide the Cypriot State with safeguards. 153. Our bilateral relations with the Republic of Cyprus are developing successfully and on many fronts, to our mutual interest, and for our part we shall continue to do everything to strengthen those rela- tions in the future. In this connection I should H1:e to remind the Assembly in particular of the visit ofthe President ofthe Republic ofCyprus, Mr. Kypria- nou, to Czechoslovakia in 1980 and the visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Czechoslovakia, Mr. Chnoupek, to Cyprus in 1982, which yielded impor- tant results for a constructive future development of our relations. For this reason also we have always supported and will continue to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in Cyprus and throughout that region. 154. We therefore welcomed the outcome of the talks between President Makarios and the representative of the Turkish Cypriot community, Mr. Denkta§, in 1977 and the 10-point agreement which was reached during talks between President Kyprianou and Mr. Denkta§ in 1979.4 At this time, we would like to welcome the mutual understanding reached during recent talks in Greece with President Kyprianou and also his contacts with the Secretary-General. We believe it is important 155. We also welcome the fact that in the political declaration adopted at the Seventh Conference of Heads of Sta[e or Government of Non-Aligned Coun- tries, held at New Delhi last March,2 support was expressed for the independence of the sovereign Republic of Cyprus and for its active involvement in the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. 156. The implementation of the agreements which have been reached could, we believe, not only assist in settling the question of Cyprus but also help to reduce tension throughout the Mediterranean region and in the Middle East, in a situation where that region is continually threatened by Israeli aggression, first and foremost in the border areas of Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic. 157. We are convinced that the efforts of the Cypriot people to preserve their u tited and independent State will be crowned with success. We are also convinced that the United Nations is in a position to promote a peaceful settlement of the questio!1 of Cyprus in order to maintain peace and security in that region and throughout the world.

The United States remains deeply concerned with the Cyprus problem. The continued division between the two communities on the island and their inability to reach an agreed settlement is a great' disappoint- ment to my Gove~ment. The United States deeply regrets the effects of this persistent tragedy on the lives of the Cypriot people. We are also disturbed by the fact that the unresolved differences in Cyprus strain relations between two valued friends and allies in the region, Greece and Turkey. We will continue to sup- port the Secretary-General in his efforts to help the parties to this unfortunate conflict reach a fair and lasting settlement. 159. With the assistance of the Secr~tary-General and his Special Representative, Mr. Hugo Gobbi, the two Cypriot communities have in the latest round of intercommunal negotiatfons, which began in Novem- ber 1981, addressed the issues which divide them. Exercise of the Secretary-General's good offices, mandated by the Security Council, has helped the parties reach a stage in the discussions where points ofagreement and those issues remaining to be resolved have been clearly defined through the "evaluation" process introduced by the previous Secretary-General. 160. Today we are fortunate to have a Secretary-' General who is exceptionally well informed on the question of Cyprus, having been directly involved during his previous assignment as Special Represen- tative in that country. ~-e welcome his intention, announced in his report of 6 May [A/37/805 and Corr./], to' strengthen his personal involvement within the framework of his good offices in order to give fresh impetus to the negotiating process. The United States believes it is this process-the direct discus- sions between the communities, complemented by the good-offices role of the Secretary-General-which Secretar~ ·General on this subject,11 which documents the increasing debt into which the programmejs falling. We urge States Members of the United Nations which do not contribute to the maintenance of the Force to respond to the Secretary-General's appeal for additional funds. 163. There seems now to be an international climate conducive to progress in resolving the problem of Cyprus. It seems to us that the time is ripe for a real advance towards a mutually acceptab!e settlement. The factors I have mentioned-an active and knowledge- able Secretary-General with a clear mandate, an on- going process of direct discussion between the two communities and international support for a settle- ment-all militate ~'ur an early return by the Greek Cypriots' and the Turkish Cypriots to the negotiations and a renewed determination by both to see progress made. The moment is propitious for movement. We encourage the two communities and other con- NOTES I A/35/659. ;! A/38/132, annex. 4 Ibid., Thirt.v-fourth Year, Supplement f(':' April, ,'Vlay and June 1979, document S/13369 and Add.l, para. j l. 5 A/38/132, annex, chap. I, para. 130. 7 Ibid., para. 58. 8 Ibid., Thirty-eighth Year, Supplement for January, Febmary and March /983, document S/15556, annex. 9 Ibid., Supplement for April, May and lune /983, document S/15696, annex. 10 Ibid., Twenty-ninth Year, Supplemellt for July, August and September 1974, document 5/11465. 1I Ibid.. Thirty-sevelltlz Year, Sllpplemellt for October, November and Decemher 1982. document S/15502 and Add.I.