AKEL and the Patriotic Unity Movement having met at Pyla on October 16, 1999, having evaluated the current situation in Cyprus, the region and the world and having cordially exchanged views on matters of mutual concern jointly declare:

1- The need to reach a peaceful and viable solution in the Cyprus problem is becoming constantly more pressing with the passing of time. Such a solution should safeguard the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the bicommunal, bizonal Federal Republic of Cyprus and exclude every form of union, partition or secession as provided in the High-Level Agreements and the relative UN Resolutions. Any effort in a different direction simply increases the tension on the island and obstructs the efforts to reach understanding.

2- A just and viable solution of the problem will be based on the political and economic equality of the two communities, as described by the UN Secretary-General in his report that was adopted by the Security Council. It will be based on the consolidation of the security feeling in both communities and the safeguarding of equality, human rights and freedoms of all citizens without any discrimination on the basis of national origin.

3- A just and viable solution can be achieved only by peaceful means, through substantive and constructive talks that should commence the soonest possible under the auspices of the United Nations and on the basis of the High-Level Agreements, the relative UN Resolutions and of all that has been so far agreed between the two sides.

4- AKEL and the Patriotic Unity Movement call on the leaders of both communities to come to the negotiating table without conditions but with the determination to find a mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus problem as demanded by the two communities.

Putting preconditions for participating in a dialogue, that are against the High-Level Agreements, the relevant UN Resolutions and all that has been so far agreed between the two communities, does not facilitate breaking through the deadlock and having a substantive dialogue.

5- The friendly approach of the peoples of Greece, Turkey and Cyprus after the earthquake disasters in Turkey and Greece has once again proved that the peoples want and are ready for the solution of the problems which affect the relations of their two countries and the two communities in Cyprus and has inflicted a serious blow to chauvinist propaganda.

6- The peoples of Turkey and Greece want Cyprus to be turned into a bridge of peace and the Aegean into a lake of peace between their countries. The peaceful resolution of the Cyprus problem and the other problems will help in this direction and will contribute to the development and prosperity of the region.

7- Despite all these, the chauvinist forces in both communities have not retreated. AKEL and the Patriotic Unity Movement reiterate their will to continue struggling against chauvinism, religious fanaticism and prejudices for the promotion of rapprochement and trust between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. They agree to continue their contacts in this direction and to encourage contacts between trade union, youth, women and other organizations.

Demetris Christofias (General Secretary of the Central Committee of AKEL)
Rasih Keskiner (General Secretary of the Patriotic Unity Movement)