AKEL on the negotiations on the Cyprus problem

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 21st April 2017, Nicosia

On the occasion of the resumption of the negotiations on the Cyprus problem, AKEL reiterates its position that they should be continued from the point they had been suspended and a methodology should be applied that will assist the waging of substantive negotiations.

To do this, it is imperative that the two leaders discuss comprehensively the important outstanding issues. At the point where the discussion of these issues is at, their discussion can and must be done as a package.

If progress is registered through the negotiation and it gets within range of agreement, we will then be able to discuss the issues of the international aspect of the Cyprus problem, namely the issues of security and guarantees.

If no progress is recorded and there is a gap in the positions of the two sides, then any proposals tabled at the negotiating table will be considered as not having been made.

The Greek Cypriot side, remaining consistent to the agreed framework and principles of the solution, must exhaust every possibility to achieve progress. If the negotiations do not yield results, there is a real danger that the procedure will collapse and that responsibilities will be apportioned on our side as well.

The best way to protect ourselves from the possibility of being apportioned the blame is to demonstrate our goodwill and willingness for a solution at the negotiations. The acknowledgement of our side’s goodwill enhances our credibility, but also the effectiveness of our policy, which is also of great importance in the exercise of our sovereign rights in the area of ​​the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus. This is what the experience in 2011 showed, when the Christofias government, despite the threats Turkey was issuing, proceeded to the first exploratory drilling which has yielded the only reserve that has been identified to date.

On Turkey’s provocative actions

AKEL denounces Turkey’s provocative and unacceptable actions and machinations in the area of ​​the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus’s. Such actions, indeed at a time when negotiations are underway and Turkey should in practice have been demonstrating goodwill to help towards the achievement of a solution, fuels the climate and strengthen suspicion and strengthens the lack of trust.