Prime Minister Lucas Papademos, on April 6 -the second day of his official visit to Cyprus- addressed a plenary session of the Republic of Cyprus House of Representatives.

In his speech, Papademos clarified that partition is not an option as far as a political settlement in Cyprus is concerned, reiterating that a solution must be in line with UN decisions and provide for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with a single international personality, one sovereignty and one citizenship. "We believe that Cyprus’s EU membership and the exploitation of natural gas reserves can be positive factors towards a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus to the benefit of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots," the PM said. 

Regarding proposals to convene an international conference on Cyprus, Papademos stressed that unless internal aspects of the Cyprus issue such as territory, property and the question of Turkish settlers are resolved, there can be no constructive discussion on such a conference. He also noted, referring to the assumption of EU presidency by Cyprus, in the second half of 2012, that it was high time EU principles applied throughout the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.