PRIME MINISTER
CHECK AGATNSqT DELIVRay EMRARrOED UNTIL DFl. Tpg
SPEECH BY THE PRIME MINISTER
PARLIAMENTARY LUNCH IN HONOUR OF THE
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS,
HIS EXCELLENCY MR GEORGE VASSILIOJ
CAN4BERRA 12 DECEMBER 1991
President Vassiliou
Mrs Vassiliou
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Mr President
I am very pleased you have been able to accept my invitatio
to visit Australia. It is an honour and a pleasure to have
you here.
We last met at the Commonwealth Heads of Governent Meeting
in Harare in October. The Harare CHOGM showed : he
Commonwealth to be an organisation of continuing relevance
and vitality, committed to the protection and promotion of
just and honest government, fundamental human rights and
democratic values. The commitment of your Government to th
Commonwealth and its values has been reflected iLn your
agreement to host the next CHOGM in 1993.
Mr President, during our discussions this morning, we spoke
at length about the still outstanding problem of the
partition of Cyprus. I was most interested to hear your
analysis of the present situation, and I was impressed by
your determination to find a solution.
As you know, Australia has always condemned the Turkish
occupation of Cyprus. We uphold the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. And we
have supported UN Security Council Resolutions 541, 550, 64
and 716. We have consistently expressed oppositrion to the
unilateral declaration of the Turkish republic of Northern
Cyprus in 1983.
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We have been extensively involved in efforts to restore
peace in Cyprus through our participation in the United
Nations peacekeeping force. At present, we have 20 men and
women of the Australian Federal Police on duty there.
Those men and women, and their colleagues from many other
countries, provide an invaluable service. I have nothing
but praise and respect for them, and I am proud of the
contribution Australia has been able to make to that effort.
The search for a just, peaceful and permanent solution to
the problems of Cyprus is a major challenge to the
international community. The ability of the international
community to meet that challenge has been greatly
strengthened over recent years by the emergence of the
United Nations as a truly effective instrument of
international action.
We have fully supported the efforts of the current
Secretary-General to resolve the Cyprus problem, and we urge
his distinguished successor to continue and expand those
efforts. We also urge the United States and the European
Community to maintain the momentum for a UN-sponsored
settlement. Last year I had the opportunity to discuss the issue with
President Ozal. I pressed him then on the need for Turkey
to take decisive steps if the issue is to be resolved. I
believe he understands that it is in the interests of
Turkey, and of the whole region, that the future of Cyprus
should be resolved quickly, and in a just and durable
manner. I urge Turkey's new Prime Minister, Oemirel, to
commit himself to the search for such a resolution.
We are disappointed that prospects are now fading for a
high-level meeting between the parties before the end of the
year, but we hope the momentum can be regained early in the
new year.
I believe the momentous changes that have swept the world in
the past two years give cause for greater hope for a
settlement for Cyprus.
The old restraints of the Cold War have been broken. Old
modes of thinking are no longer relevant. And there is a
new spirit of international cooperation based on the
realisation of common goals and interests.
There are no easy answers. Imagination, flexibility and
political determinatiLon are essential.
All parties must participate constructively and openly in
inter-communal negotiations. It is time to look forward to
possibilities and op. portunities, rather than back to hatred
and bitterness.
I believe it is becoming increasingly clear, in the post-
Cold War world, that people's well-being can only be assured
through the principles I outlined earlier, those identi'f ied
and espoused by Commonwealth Heads of Government at the
Harare meeting democracy, human rights, the rule of law,
and just and honest government.
Mr President,
Australia is in a fortunate position. we are geographically
remote from much of the world's turmoil, and suffer no
immediate threats. We are rich in resources. we enjoy a
democratic system of government. And, importantly, we have
many Australians of diverse ethnic backgrounds who are
willing to contribute to Australia's well-being.
Australia is proud that, in particular since World War II,
we have attracted to our shores millions of new settlers
from more than 130 nations around the world. One of cur
great assets is the vigour and vitality of our multicultural
society.
Cypriot migration and establishment in Australia has a long
and proud history going back to the gold-rush era of the
1850s. The period of upheaval in 1974 saw a substantial
rise in immigration from Cyprus, with the result that around
50,000 Cypriots now call Australia home.
Cypriots participate in and contribute to all walks of' life
education, sport, business and government. One well-known
member of the Cypriot community who is also a member of
this Parliament is Dr Andrew Theophanous, who I know is
already known to you.
These sons and daughters of Cyprus, now Australians, are
very welcome among us. Like you, Mr President, they
personify a rich and ancient culture, and a vibrant
commitment to achievement. We have been enriched by their
contribution to our multicultural society. And we respect
the way in which they have contributed to our society and'
economy through the traditions and achievements of their
culture. Australia's multicultural society works because all
Australians are able to express and share their individual
cultural heritage, to practise their religion, to speak
their language. It works because all Australians are
treated equally. It works because there is an overriding
commitment to Australia, to its institutions, its interests
and its future.
I believe the Australian achievement of a multicultural
society has something to teach the world. Culture, history,
language and race should not divide, or become the focus of
hate diversity should enrich and invigorate society.
4.
Mr President,
Australia and Cyprus have! a close and friendly relationship,
based on our historical Links, our Commonwealth membership,
the ties of blood and cu: lture through the many Australians
of Cypriot origin and our mutual interest in seeking a just
and peaceful resolution to the partition of Cyprus.
Your visit provides the opportunity to build on these solid
foundations.
Again, we are honoured by your presence here, and wish you a
fruitful and enjoyable visit.
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