AKEL on latest developments on the Cyprus problem

Statements by the General Secretary of AKEL Andros Kyprianou

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 9^th March 2017, Nicosia

I had a meeting with the Ambassador of the Netherlands and will subsequently have a meeting with the Ambassador of Georgia as well. You understand that these meetings fall within the context of bilateral relationships Ambassadors have with political parties of the Republic of Cyprus. The Ambassador of the Netherlands has informed me about the political situation in the Netherlands in view of the upcoming elections on 15^th March. On my part, I briefed him about our Party’s positions on the recent developments surrounding the Cyprus problem.

I want to reiterate our appeal for the negotiations to resume as soon as possible. Of course we consider that a different way of discussion must be found for the negotiations to have a possibility of success. We have said repeatedly of late that a package must be made with the important issues that remain open and that a free discussion should be held between the two leaders on the understanding that none of these to be discussed will apply unless they arrive at convergences. If it’s concluded that we cannot reach a consensus on these important issues then none of all that has been said by the two leaders must be considered as having been said.

In our view this is the only way to move the negotiations forward if we really want progress and a conclusion to be achieved, if possible before the Presidential Election. The closer we get to the presidential elections, the more difficult will the effort be. This is the reason why it is, I reiterate, urgent to resume the procedure and for this procedure to be substantive. It shouldn’t simply follow the customary path, that is to continue as before because otherwise we will not record progress.

Question: Given that the Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General on Cyprus Mr. Eide also says he believes the procedures will resume and based on what you said that we should arrive at a conclusion before the presidential elections. We are already entering the pre-election campaign. Do you believe that the Greek Cypriot side’s positions will be the same as they were yesterday, even if the talks were to start tomorrow?

AK: AKEL’s positions will be the same. Beyond that, I can’t say how the other parties or even the President of the Republic himself will behave. AKEL however will approach the negotiations in the same way as it did last year. Mr. Eide said that the negotiations will resume. I can’t hide from you from the recent meetings we have had, a prospect is being created. I hope and wish that this perspective is seized and that the negotiations will resume soon.