Statement by the General Secretary of AKEL, Stefanos Stefanou on the informal enlarged meeting in Geneva

 

 

The enlarged meeting in Geneva is a development which we should try, as far as we can, to turn it into an opportunity to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Given the difficulties arising from the attitude of the Turkish side, it is very important that we go to Geneva with clear positions on what we are seeking. And we should be clear that we are seeking a solution on the basis of a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality, as described in the relevant UN resolutions and as the content of the solution has been formulated and is found in the convergences.

At the same time, we should be clear that we seek to continue negotiations from the point where they were left in Crans-Montana, to preserve the convergences that have been achieved over the years of hard negotiations and that we are fully prepared to negotiate on the basis of the Guterres Framework and, in particular, the outstanding issues that remain.

In addition, we should be ready to present specific proposals depending on the progress of the consultations at the meeting. A very important idea, which we will be able to put forward if and when developments allow, is the formulation of a road map with specific stages in order to succeed in getting to the discussion of the substance of the Cyprus problem.  For this roadmap we must prepare ourselves. AKEL has a specofic proposal and is ready to share it with the President of the Republic.

The message ahead of the Geneva meeting is to try, as far as it is in our power, to exhaust the possibilities to push things in the direction of breaking the deadlock and resuming the negotiations from the point where they were left.

Stalemate and deadlock suit those who promote division. That, most certainly, cannot suit us.

 

16.03.2025