AKEL and BKP meet to discuss developments on the Cyprus problem

25th February 2016, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY-CNA

 

AKEL and BKP jointly evaluate that “there has indeed been progress recorded in the negotiations, but not such as to say that we have come close to a solution of the Cyprus problem”, said Andros Kyprianou after a meeting held with a delegation of the Turkish Cypriot United Cyprus party (BKP) headed by its President Izzet Izcan at the central offices of AKEL.

“On the contrary, our assessment is that we still have pending issues that by themselves are extremely difficult and we will have to cover a long distance and above all of course, be able to reach an agreement on these very difficult issues that are still pending”. Mr. Kyprianou said that they briefed each other on the information on the progress registered so far in the negotiations and noted that a meaningful and productive meeting took place with the delegation of BKP.

The solution of the Cyprus problem is the principal priority for AKEL and it continues to be said Mr. Kyprianou pointing out that he wants to make it absolutely clear in all directions that AKEL will not accept any solution. “AKEL will insist on the basic principles of the solution as agreed, as defined by International Law and on the basis upon which the EU is founded, as defined by the relevant UN resolutions and the High-Level agreements”. It is within this framework that we will make every effort to reach a solution, he added. Those who believe that they can promote something different outside of this framework should know that they will find us opposing them, he added.

The General Secretary of AKEL Andros Kyprianou said they were briefed on the issue of the negotiations between Turkey and the pseudo-state on the Water issue. He expressed the view that the basis on which the discussions on this issue are being conducted is unacceptable and the efforts between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot community to arrive at an agreement are at variance with International Law. “AKEL will not accept faits accomplis which Turkey is attempting to promote in the Turkish Cypriot community.”

The two Parties, he said, agreed that they must intensify their efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem, aware that things are becoming more difficult as time passes. Our desire for a solution will not lead us to accept a bad solution, he pointed out.

On his part, the President of the United Cyprus Party BKP Izzet Izcan said that they assessed the phase reached in the negotiations, the difficulties that lie ahead and noted that there is still a way to go and issues to be solved. The important thing is that the solution of the Cyprus problem should be beneficial and in the interests of the Cypriot people as a whole, he added. Time is important and is progressing speedily, he stated, saying that there is no (time) limit but “if we do not find a solution by the end of the year things will become more difficult.”

On the property issue, guarantees, the territorial issue and the map there are still difficulties, Mr. Izcan went on to say, adding that the agreement that will be found on these issues should take account the respect for fundamental human rights, be in line with the European acquis and protect the interests not of any external forces, but of the people of Cyprus. “I call upon both leaders to take this seriously into account.”

Izzet Izcan noted that his Party does not accept what the AKP government, protected by Tayyip Erdogan, is trying to impose as a fait accomplis on the Turkish Cypriot community, saying that it is not right (for Erdogan) to urge the Turkish Cypriot parties to resist the return of Morphou and to exert pressure for dozens of “nationalities” to be given, while he knows that a convergence has been achieved on the issue of population ratio.

On the water issue he said that his party is not against the purchase of water from Turkey if this is considered necessary. “But this is not what is happening.” What is being demanded (from us), he said, is that the water that will come, the underground local sources and its management be given to a private company that will come from Turkey. For some months now there has been an ongoing debate on this matter he explained, and they want to force the “government” to sign forcibly such an agreement. They are imposing it and in the face of this situation, the Turkish Cypriot democratic public opinion has commenced a struggle. “This is not a simple matter. Turkey wants to acquire control of Cyprus’ sources, its natural wealth and property.”

On the one hand you talk about having a speedy solution and on the other you implement policies in the “north” that will exclude the solution, he said referring to Turkey, pointing out that this demonstrates a lack of sincerity and everyone should know about this. All Cypriots together must resist the efforts against the solution, regardless of where these may come from, he stressed.

We will continue to struggle for the solution because we want the solution and want to help both leaders in this effort. We have one condition, he said, that “this solution should serve the Cypriot people and not of any foreign forces.”