Political leaders, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, must realize where the country is heading without a solution
Statement by AKEL General Secretary Andros Kyprianou after the meeting with the Communal Democracy Party TDP
Akel C.C. Press Office, 22nd February 2017, Nicosia
We had a very substantive discussion I would say with a delegation of the Communal Democracy Party and its President our friend Cemal Ozyigit. During the meeting we reviewed the latest developments on the Cyprus problem. We heard with great attention about the concerns, of the party, but also in general, that have developed in the Turkish Cypriot community after the evidently erroneous decision approved by the majority of the House of Representatives regarding the honoring of the policy of Enosis. We explained that Mr. Anastasiades has dissociated himself from this decision of the majority of the House, but also the National Council as well.
I want to express our sadness, but also our concern over the fact that tomorrow’s meeting between the two leaders has been postponed. We recognize that there were many difficulties, problems and obstacles in the procedure of the negotiations that needed to be overcome. However, we understand and know very well that the Cyprus problem will be solved only through substantive negotiations on the agreed basis.
At this critical and very decisive moment with regards the future and prospect of our country and people, AKEL will not be preoccupied with attributing responsibilities on how developments have evolved and why we have come to this point.
I will however repeat once again, AKEL’s appeal to both leaders.
The two leaders must realize what the future of our country and people will be if there is a prolonged stalemate in the negotiations.
They should both realize that the status quo serves only those forces in both communities in Cyprus who do not want peace, who do not want a solution and who do not wish Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots living together. Each one should assume their share allocated to them and strive to find ways of overcoming the stagnation as it has evolved at this moment.
I will reiterate my appeal to the leaders of the political parties on both sides of the barbed wire as well.
Rather than gloating and believing that some have been vindicated, which is anything but the case, they should realize where the country is being driven to. We need to take action so that we will not be crying tomorrow on ruins, which we are certain will happen if and when there will be no solution to the Cyprus problem.
A bad solution is certainly dangerous and disastrous for the future of our country and people as a whole, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins. However, the non-solution of the Cyprus problem is also equally destructive and dangerous and everyone would do well to realize this.
We shall therefore continue our efforts with the Communal Democracy Party as well and with other parties in the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot community who want peace and the solution of the Cyprus problem, because we consider that we must keep hopes and also the prospect of a solution alive
I want to thank our friend Cemal and the delegation of the Communal Democracy Party for the very fruitful and friendly discussion we had.
