AKEL Political Bureau on the current situation with regards the Cyprus problem

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 27^th April 2017, Nicosia

The Political Bureau of the C.C. of AKEL, in its session today, discussed the developments surrounding the Cyprus problem.

1. The negotiations for a solution of our political problem are at a critical and advanced stage.
2. There is no doubt that the main responsibility for the lack of progress rests with Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side’s retreat from convergences, including the progress achieved in Mont Peleran. The continuation of Turkey’s provocations and unacceptable actions do not contribute towards creating the necessary climate and is not in line with its rhetoric about the solution. We call on the international community to exert its influence on Turkey so that it will comply with the principles of the solution of the Cyprus problem.
3. In the current phase, when the chapters of the internal aspect of the Cyprus problem are within range of a convergence and only a few of the key issues are pending, their packaging and comprehensive negotiation is imperative.
4. We are convinced that an overall conclusion on the above issues is feasible if the necessary political will is demonstrated by everyone and if the past convergences are respected. If not, the whole endeavour will be considered as null and void and there will be no relevant commitment whatsoever. However, even in the unwelcome scenario that we do not reach a conclusion, it will be much more difficult for anyone to be able to apportion any responsibility on our side. The recognition of our side’s good will is of great importance in enhancing our credibility, which, among other things, protects and strengthens the exercise of our sovereign rights in the area of ​​the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone.
5. Only in this way will Turkey be brought to face up to its responsibility on the core issue of security on which there exists an international understanding on the positions of the Greek Cypriot side.
6. The tactics of each of the two leaders to leave different issues for the end of the negotiation led to a blockage of the procedure. All the more so when Turkey declares that it will not open its cards on the issue of security unless we first reach a convergence on the key issues of the internal aspect of the Cyprus problem.
7. The talk about the need for a change of strategy is empty sloganeering that will be disastrous, and instead of increasing the cost for Turkey it will lead to its exoneration and, possibly, to the final partition.
8. By insisting on principles and the agreed framework, the President of the Republic must undertake an initiative as we have outlined it. It would be a huge historical mistake now that we have reached a final stage with maps submitted at the negotiating table and with Turkey facing us on the issue of security, to be thinking about the presidential elections instead of the future generations. If the logic of simply preserving the talks with a discussion of minor issues until the presidential elections prevails, there is a real danger looming that the negotiation procedure will collapse soon and that responsibility will be apportioned on our side as well.
9. AKEL, throughout the course of the negotiations, despite disagreements it has expressed every so often, putting above all else the interest of the people and country, acted responsibly, patriotically and constructively. AKEL will continue to act in the same way, aiming at reaching a solution based on principles and within the agreed framework. We call on our people to continue the struggle to achieve a solution that will ensure human rights and fundamental freedoms in conditions of lasting peace and security.
10. We urge our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, who want a solution and reunification, to rally their forces with us in this difficult struggle.