The prospect of accession by Cyprus to the European Union provides both the opportunity and incentive for both communities on the island to enter into serious political negotiations to achieve finally a comprehensive and lasting political solution. In view of the natural interest of the European Union in encouraging both parties to seize fully this opportunity, the Presidency-in-Office, since January 1996, has appointed its own special representative on Cyprus to underline the interest and role of the European Union in efforts to make progress on a political solution.
It has always been accepted by the various interested parties, including the European Union, that their efforts would require to be closely coordinated through regular contact and exchange of information. These initiatives are intended to be complementary to, and supportive of, the efforts of the special representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, Professor Han Sung Joo, in acknowledgment of the leading role to be played by the United Nations in the process of achieving an overall solution. It is further recognised that any eventual solution should fall within the parameter of existing UN resolutions and decisions on the Cyprus question.
During the past year, several states which are in a position to complement these efforts have designated special representatives to encourage progress towards an overall political settlement of the Cyprus question.
I had the opportunity, during a meeting in Dublin last July with Professor Han, to assure him that our Presidency efforts on behalf of the European Union, and those of the Commission, would seek to offer support and assistance to his role through close liaison with the UN, in particular, and also other special representatives. During our Presidency, our special representative on Cyprus, Ambassador Heaslip, maintained regular and close contact with Proffessor Han and with the special representatives of interested states. It is clear from these contacts that the activities of the parties concerned are contributing to a common effort by the international community to achieving progress towards direct talks between the two communities in Cyprus. Whilst these efforts will continue and intensify in the months ahead, it must be recognised that they can only succeed if the leadership of both communities, who have the primary responsibility for securing a solution, make serious efforts to move at an early date to direct negotiations leading to a final and comprehensive settlement to this longstanding problem.
