UNANIMOUS COMMUNIQUE ON THE CYPRUS PROBLEM

The participants in the Meeting on the Cyprus problem organised in Budapest from September 30 to October 5,

Considering the status quo as dangerous and unacceptable for the future of the Youth in Cyprus,

Expressing deep concern over the continued lack of progress for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem,

Considering that the further loss of time bears serious dangers for both Communities,

Underlining the need to render the inter-communal negotiations substantive and meaningful,

Considering that the current division violates fundamental human rights of the people of Cyprus in both Communities,

Acknowledging that Cyprus is the common land of all Cypriots,

1.Underline the urgent need to reach a peaceful, just, democratic and viable solution;

2.Confirm that the solution of the Cyprus problem must lead to a bi-zonal, bi-communal Federal Cyprus, based on the 1977 and 1979 High Level Agreements, relative UN Resolutions and International Law, made up of two politically equal Communities as described in paragraph 11 of the UN Secretary General's Report of April 1992 and the UN Relevant Resolution. Such a solution must safeguard full independence, territorial integrity, single sovereignty, single international personality and single citizenship and exclude the union in full or in part with any other country or any other form of partition, annexation or secession;

3.Support a solution that will be based on the consolidation of the security feeling in both Communities and the safeguarding of the human rights and the freedoms of all citizens without any discrimination on the basis of national origin. The solution will also be based on the Acquis Communautaire and International Law.

4.Believe that a just and viable solution can only be achieved in a peaceful way by means of substantive talks under the auspices of the UN, on the basis of the UN Resolutions and the High Level Agreements. For this reason they call on all related and responsible sides to comply with the above mentioned agreed federal framework paving the way for direct and meaningful dialogue.

5.Underline their opposition to any act that leads to the escalation of the aggravated situation and to a possible military conflict, including changes to the agreed cease-fire line. In this respect, they support the relevant provisions of the UN Resolutions and appeal to all interested parties to agree on measures for the gradual decrease of all the troops and armaments, having as a final goal demilitarisation as part of an overall settlement. Such a development will contribute towards the elimination of mistrust between the two Communities, will increase security and stability in the region and promote peace.

6.Understand that the accession process of Cyprus to the EU will act as a catalyst for the solution of the Cyprus problem. Membership in the EU would promise a prosperous and secure future for all citizens of the island. It is our wish that finding a solution to the Cyprus question and the accession of Cyprus to the EU would happen at the same time.

7.Note the upgrading of mass contacts between citizens and especially youth from both Communities. They consider that the contacts between the youth, political parties, trade unions, professionals, women and other groups and organisations must continue and be enhanced since they contribute, among others, to the creation of the appropriate climate for the peaceful solution of the Cyprus problem;

8.In line with the aforesaid they agree to set up a bi-communal Steering Committee in an attempt to facilitate further initiatives.

Budapest, 5 October 2000.

On behalf of the participating organisations:

CTP Youth Branch - Erkut Sahali

EDON - Pavlos Kalosinatos

NEDISY - Athanasios Tsokkos

NEOS - Sotos Ktoris

ONED - Michalis Olympios

TKP Youth Branch - Devrim Varoglu
Reservation was made on paragraph 6

YBH Youth - Murat Kanatli