A speedy solution YES – BUT based on principles and the agreed framework

 

Statement by Georgos Loucaides, AKEL C.C. Spokesperson

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 20th March 2015, Nicosia

 

Regarding the reports that immediately after the electoral process in the occupied areas the inter-communal talks will resume, AKEL wishes to clarify that it has not received any briefing whatsoever from the government.

Our position is very well-known, namely that for the negotiating process to resume preconditions must be fulfilled, a fact that can be made feasible if Turkey ends its provocations and coercing in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus.

However, if the reports are true that the aim is to reach a solution within a few months, legitimate questions arise. We want a solution as soon as possible, but one that cannot be to the detriment of the substance and content of the solution, which must be based on principles and the agreed framework.

The reports about a solution being planned with swift procedures cause great concern and make it even more imperative to continue the negotiation procedure from where it had been left off with the Christofias- Talat convergences. This is the only feasible way to make the perspective of a speedy solution possible, without leaving any room for third parties to orchestrate any settlements to serve their interests. On the contrary, if the procedure starts from scratch/zero basis, having in mind the current huge gap between the positions of the two sides, it is impossible for it to lead to a speedy solution – unless it is imposed by third parties.

AKEL calls on President Anastasiades, if and when talks are resumed, to put aside any petty political considerations and act solely in the interests of the country and the people. Otherwise, we are in immediate danger of finding ourselves confronted with uncontrollable situations.