Agreement on the terms of reference for a resumption of the talks the decisive goal

Statement by AKEL C.C. Spokesperson Stefanos Stefanou

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 19 November 2018, Nicosia

The current period is extremely critical in the determining of the conditions for a resumption of negotiations. The UN Secretary-General expects the two sides to work so that the terms of reference that will enable the resumption of negotiations are agreed.

The President of the Republic is called upon to remain focused and to concentrate on this goal. Of course the resumption of negotiations doesn’t just depend on the Greek Cypriot side, it depends on the Turkish Cypriot side as well and above all, on Turkey’s disposition. The Greek Cypriot side cannot determine what the Turkish side’s stand will be. However what it can and must do is to exhaust all possibilities on its part for the resumption of the negotiations. If we do this and the Turkish side responds, then we will have a resumption of the negotiations and the efforts to achieve a solution that will liberate and reunite the country and the people will continue. We should not forget the fact that the non-solution of the Cyprus problem perpetuates and breeds the dangers that the Turkish occupation provokes.