The Annual Conference of the Federation of Cypriot Communities

Address by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon Alexander Downer MP
To open The Annual Conference of the Federation of Cypriot Communities
Adelaide, 22 January 1999

Introduction

Federation President Kerry Kyriakoudes, Hon Manolis Christofides (Presidential Commissioner for Cypriots Abroad), Hon Joan Hall, Hon Mike Rann, Federal and State parliamentary colleagues - in particular Hon Trish Worth, Patron of SEKA - High Commissioner Georgiades, Mrs Dimaki (Hon Consul of Greece in SA) other distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

It is a great pleasure to be here this evening to open the Annual Conference of the Federation of Cypriot Communities. This conference is an important occasion for the Australian Cypriot community, bringing together delegates from all over Australia.

Like other ethnic communities, Cypriots have added to the diversity and vitality of Australian culture. Indeed the first Cypriots in Australia can be traced as far back to the 1850s, when a small number moved here hoping to make their fortunes in the goldrush. And since that time the Cypriot community has contributed to Australian society in a wide variety of fields, from small business to politics.

Cyprus

I would like to take this opportunity to say a few words on Cyprus. Much time, energy and resources have gone into attempts to resolve the complex issues which have undermined peace and stability in Cyprus for well over thirty years.

Several United Nations Secretaries General and their representatives have directly involved themselves and their reputations in the search for a solution. Many nations and international organisations, including the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, and the Commonwealth, have also sought to assist the parties to end the conflict.

During this time thousands of members of UN Force in Cyprus, including I am proud to say, members of the Australian civilian police forces have sought, in often difficult circumstances, to keep peace between the communities.

That we have not been able to reach a solution in such a long period of time is a lamentable situation in human terms. Issues such as the missing persons, property exchange and compensation, and possible resettlement remain unresolved The two communities have been unable to tackle the common problems, such as water and the environment, which confront them both on this small island. And it has created tension in the region and bedevilled the development of good relations between close neighbours.

The Australian Government believes that a settlement is long overdue. It has constantly affirmed the need for a peaceful, negotiated solution which meets the legitimate interests of all the parties. The Government shares with the international community the view that the UN Secretary General's 1992 "Set of Ideas" forms a basis for arriving at a settlement.

Of course, it is for the parties themselves to negotiate the exact terms of any ultimate settlement, including issues such as; the nature of any constitutional arrangement; security; adjustment of territory; resettlement; property compensation; and movement between North and South. Reaching an agreement on these, and any other outstanding issues, will however, clearly require good will on all sides and a willingness to make difficult compromises.

I have had numerous discussions on the Cyprus issue including with two UN Secretaries General, with the Commonwealth Secretary General, with Cypriot and Greek leaders and with European interlocutors. In these discussions I have affirmed Australia's willingness to contribute, where practicable, to the search for a settlement.

In addition, my statement in October 1996, with the Attorney General, affirmed the Government's continuing commitment to peace-keeping operations on Cyprus. The Government also supported discussion of the Cyprus issue at the Edinburgh CHOGM and the decision to appoint a Commonwealth observer to the negotiations.

The Spender Report

In June, I announced the appointment of Mr John Spender, currently Australian Ambassador in Paris, as Australia's Special Envoy for Cyprus. His task was to consult widely with all the parties, with other interested countries and organisations, to evaluate the situation and to identify ways is which Australia can further assist the search for a settlement.

After extensive consultations - with members of the two communities in Australia, in North America, and in Europe, including in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey, and with others in the international Community involved in pursuing the resolution of this matter, such as Sir David Hannay and Richard Holbrooke -Mr Spender has recently provided to me a report. And I would like to take this opportunity to commend him for the way in which he has approached his task.

The report's key findings affirm the primary role of the UN - with its long involvement, the universality of its membership and its acceptability to all the parties - in assisting the parties to reach a negotiated settlement and the need for Australia to continue its support for the UN in this role

It also emphasises the value of building confidence through, for example, inter-communal projects dealing with environmental concerns like land degradation, issues which do not respect the cease-fire line. I fully endorse this view.

Unfortunately, Mr Spender's evaluation does not suggest that the situation late last year offered much prospect for progress. In particular, it noted the suspension of face to face talks in the light of Cyprus's application to join the European Union and the demands of the Turkish Cypriot side for some form of recognition.

Since Mr Spender reported back to me, there have, however, been some positive developments, in particular, the decision of the Cyprus Government not to deploy Russian S-300 surface to air missiles on the island. I can understand how difficult this decision was for President Clerides. I strongly commend him for it and hope that it will contribute to a significant lessening of tensions in the region.

Continuing talks between the Cypriot communities, Turkey and Greece, through the offices of the Secretary General's representative on Cyprus, Dame Anne Hercus, are also encouraging. Given the long history of negotiations with respect to Cyprus it would no doubt be premature to expect any immediate and dramatic break-through. However, as noted in the recent report of the Secretary General to the Security Council, Dame Anne's talks are proceeding well.

Future of Special Envoy

In keeping with the Australian Government's commitment to help resolving this problem, I have decided to extend Mr Spender's appointment. He will continue in his current role, as well as pursuing any necessary follow up resulting from his reports. As appropriate, the Australian Government may ask him to undertake new, specific tasks.

I have also decided, as recommended by Mr Spender, that Australia should approach the parties to see if they have an interest in the good offices of an Australian constitutional expert. Australia has the long experience of operating a federal system which could be drawn upon in Cyprus.

Conclusion

Mr President, looking at the conference program you have a very full day ahead of you tomorrow. I wish you well in your deliberations and it gives me great pleasure to declare open this conference.

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