International interest in the Cyprus Problem should turn towards the right direction

 

AKEL ON US VICE-PRESIDENT’S VISIT TO CYPRUS

Statement by George Loucaides, AKEL C.C. Press Office Spokesperson

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 13th May 2014, Nicosia

As AKEL, we consider as self-evident that without interest being demonstrated and the international community’s active involvement, the lifting of the occupation and liberation of our homeland cannot be achieved. We, therefore, consider self-evident that any international interest and involvement should be directed towards the right direction, namely towards encouraging Turkey to accept a just under the circumstances, viable solution of the Cyprus problem in line with International Law.

We perceive the impending visit of US Vice-President Biden on the island within this framework, which reflects the United States’ enhanced interest for a solution of the Cyprus problem.

Our side’s role concerns trying to channel  the effort in the right direction in combination with the utilization of all the permanent members of the UN Security Council, particularly our country’s steadfast and consistent friends and allies, such as the Russian Federation.

Secondly, our side’s role concerns the correct handling of the negotiation effort. If the message is conveyed that we ourselves are not capable of making progress, to the extent of course that this depends on us, the danger of an attempt to impose a solution from outside will increase significantly. This is the reason why the basic convergences that were registered between Christofias and Talat must be respected by all and avoiding negotiations from zero/scratch that will lead, with mathematical precision, to an endless and fruitless negotiation.