AKEL Giorgos Loucaides: “The opening of checkpoints a positive development – Collective responsibility for the results of the parliamentary elections”
4th June 2021, ‘Astra’ radio station
The opening of the checkpoints is a positive development represents a positive development and is a critical parameter for the building of bridges so that the talks on the Cyprus problem can resume, AKEL Political Bureau member Giorgos Loucaides told ‘Astra’ radio station.
What is at stake, he stressed, is the correct and viable solution of the Cyprus problem and the only way to achieve such a goal is through negotiations and through the revision of the Turkish side’s position for a two state solution.
Loucaides stressed that the pressing need right now is that pressure is exerted on Turkey by the international community to change its position. At the same time, he said, for such pressures to exist, Mr. Anastasiades must regain his credibility, who flirted with solutions other than bizonal, bicommunal federation, something which the Turkish side exploited to change its position and propose a two state solution.
To regain credibility, G.Loucaides said, we must stick to the convergences that have been achieved so far and continue the process from where it had remained at Crans Montana.
“Collective responsibility for the election results”
Andros Kyprianou had informed the Secretariat and Political Bureau of AKEL about his intention not to stand for reelection to the position of General Secretary of the Party, the member of the Political Bureau Giorgos Loucaides told ‘Astra’ radio station.
At the same time, he pointed out that it would be a simplistic and catastrophic mistake to believe that if someone leaves, all the problems will be solved. The responsibility for the outcome of the elections is collective, he stressed, and the goal is to continue the dialogue that has already begun among the Party grassroots and will culminate with the convening of the Party Congress.
We do not underestimate that renewal also concerns the change of persons in the entire structure of AKEL, said G.Loucaides. At the same time he did not want to comment on reports about his name being included in those for the position of General Secretary of AKEL.
As for the Presidency of the House of Representatives, he said that the decision of the Political Bureau is that a compromise solution is found. He clarified that nothing has been predetermined, nor whether AKEL itself will assert this position. Decisions will be made when the Party has all the data in front of it, he pointed out.
- Loucaides stressed that he did not wish to comment on scenario talk and said that contacts had already begun with opposition parties, with the exception of the extreme-right party of ELAM.
