Statement by the General Secretary of the C.C. of AKEL Andros Kyprianou with regards developments on the Cyprus problem
15th September 2016
The General Secretary of the C.C. of AKEL Andros Kyprianou replying to a question about AKEL’s assessment of yesterday’s statement to the press and the reactions of other parties, stated the following:
First let me say that it is obvious that the Cyprus problem is entering a difficult phase and decisive for the future. There is progress in the negotiations. There are issues on which there is a big gap in the positions of the two sides and it is evident that the assumption of important decisions is demanded. We state that these political decisions must be taken by the Turkish side with regards the issue of security, the property and territorial issue. Of course there is also the issue of executive power which is an issue on which decisions must be taken. Nobody can tell with certainty where developments are heading to. In our view, where developments are heading to wiill bec ome clear after the return of the two leaders from New York and the continuation of the intensive negotiations.
Mutual respect and tolerance between us is indispensible
It is extremely important, therefore, at this critical period to have the greatest possible unity on the domestic front. We have different positions and approaches between us and this is evident. We do not ask anyone to change their positions and views. What we call for in the form of an appeal addressed to the other political parties is that we act with due mutual respect and adequate mutual tolerance between us so that we can contribute each in their own way to the greatest possible degree to the promotion of our goals. I believe that we all want a solution of the Cyprus problem, not any solution but a solution, based on the agreed framework, the UN resolutions, the High-Level Agreements, International Law and the principles upon which the European Union is founded on of which Cyprus is a member state. Therefore we need each of us to do his/her own bit in this difficult endeavor. This is the appeal we address to all the political parties.
The President has clearly stated that he will not accept timetables and arbitration
As regards the press release I would say that it records what has happened so far in the negotiations in very general terms. Some have expressed concerns about some of the references made in it. The President of the Republic during last night’s meeting of the National Council was clear. He will not accept timetables, arbitration and in no way does the enhanced role that the UN Secretary General is expected to play lead in that direction, nor will he accept an international conference without the right conditions existing. That is to say that such convergences should exist which enable such an international conference to take place.
Akinci’s references to the three singles are important and clear
I waould like to refer to another issue. We still do not have in our hands the entire text of Mr. Akinci’s press conference . However it is obvious that very important references have been made on the part of Mr. Akinci in this press conference. For the first time after Mr. Talat, a Turkish Cypriot leader has clarified that the Republic of Cyprus will be a united state with two constituent entities. It will have a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and a single international personality. These are clear references with a clear reference that we are talking about a federal solution, and not about anything else. We shall therefore see the text of Mr. Akinci’s entire press conference but it is obvious that there are references that create a better perspective as regards the efforts for a solution of the Cyprus problem.
Consequently I consider that all our efforts should be focused on how we utilize to the gretaest possible degree this room that exists, without harbouring illusions. There are many difficulties and the greatest difficulty is the Turkish leadership’s way of thinking. Full knowledge of the given situations is needed. We should try to utilize them in the best possible way for the benefit of Cyprus and the Cypriot people.
Asked if based on yesterday’s briefing by the President could he be optimistic about a plan for a solution by the end of 2016 the General Secretaryof AKEL said:
I repeat that no one can predetermine which way things will go. If we do not find a solution to the issue of security, the property and territorial issue and on the executive power issue we can not be optimistic about a solution. Will there will be a solution? I can not say. It will depend on how the Turkish side reacts to these very important issues. Mr. Akinci said that we must find a way to meet the concerns of each community without this being at the expense of the other community. Let’s hope this way can be found.
