Matsakis lays out options for Cyprus solution

M.E.P. and presidential candidate Marios Matsakis yesterday laid out his options for a solution to the Cyprus problem, saying bold action and brave decisions were needed by all concerned.

The plan, due to be made public today at a news conference, refers to the preferred option of a one-state solution, the two-state solution, which he calls the option “of last resort” and the “unacceptable option” of a bi-zonal bi-communal federation such as the Annan plan “or anything like it”.

“Inevitably, compromises will have to be accepted by all sides involved in the problem. But, it should be borne in mind that the benefits of a fair-for-all solution far outweigh the possible disadvantages of any individual side concessions,” Matsakis said in a statement.

His aim, he said, was to attempt to move the Cyprus problem out of its present stalemate and urgently start a constructive debate.

Matsakis caused a stir last year when he suggested it was time the issue of a two-state solution in Cyprus was discussed out in the open, given the reality on the ground, and the type of solutions being put forward by the international community.

He said the Annan plan was so bad, partition would be better.In his newly-laid-out options, Matsakis said the preferred option would be a one-state solution by means of a return to the 1960 Constitutional Order, with gradual implementation of certain, mutually agreed changes between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, under the guidance, supervision, advice and necessary guarantees of the UN and the EU.

“All attempts must be made for the acceptance by all concerned of the unquestionable value, legality and urgent need for this option,” said Matsakis.

The second 20-point option of a two-state solution would include recognition of the ‘TRNC’ and Turkey’s recognition of Cyprus. Turkish Cypriots would control an area corresponding to the size of its population in 1974.

It would then enter the EU.

Famagusta and Morphou would be returned to the new Republic of Cyprus and the whole island would be demilitarised, and the right to property and residence would apply to both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot refugees, while settlers would be compensated to leave the island.

Compensation to both communities for property should be met by the UN, the EU and the G8, Matsakis said.He also suggests that both the ‘new’ Republic of Cyprus and the TRNC become members of NATO but excluding the stationing of either Greek or Turkish forces on the island.

Long unhappy about the British bases, Matsakis said all non clearly military areas would be returned to the Republic of Cyprus with the exception of a small area in the Pergamos region, which would be returned to the TRNC.

“If such a plan is chosen freely by both communities in Cyprus, it will of course have to be expanded, scrutinised and finalised in detail by a process of comprehensive discussion and agreement by constitutional/legal experts and political and civil society representatives of all sides involved,” said Matsakis.

“It is to be noted that this plan is not ideal but is a compromise solution that may, with good will and resolve, lead to the much needed peace, security and prosperity for all the Cypriots.”

Matsakis saves his last word for the bi-zonal bi-communal federation solution, which to him is the most unacceptable.

“This type of divisive plan is considered to be extremely expensive and wasteful to implement, grossly unfair to many Cypriot citizens, dramatically contradictory to International Law and EU Principles, exceptionally dysfunctional and evidently non-viable,” he said.

“Furthermore, it is feared that it cannot resolve the Cyprus issue but it will make it more complicated and more problematic. Such outcome will inevitably lead to more intercommunal friction and bloodshed.”