Positives but verbal declarations will be judged only at the negotiating table

 

Statement of Georgos Loucaides, AKEL C.C. Spokesperson

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 7th May 2015, Nicosia

 

The visit of Mustafa Akinci to Ankara cannot by itself lead one to draw reliable conclusions regarding the efforts to solve the Cyprus problem. Such visits take place each time there is a new leader of the Turkish Cypriot community and it was to be expected that statements repeated in similar cases would be made.

The crucial question is how Turkey will behave in practice. We point to the positives and more specifically to Erdogan’s position that a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem is to the benefit not only of the two sides in Cyprus, but also of the European Union and the entire international community.

Furthermore, we also note Mr. Akinci’s position that if we move ahead with a common vision and perspective then the vision of the solution of the Cyprus problem can be realized. We particularly stress Akinci’s position that this procedure began in 2008, a fact that refers to its continuation from where we left off and not to negotiations from scratch that would lead to nowhere.

Of course, the verbal declarations made will indisputably be judged only at the negotiating table. This is where the President of the Republic must focused on. Our aim must be to exploit the window of opportunity created, in a way so that if Turkey allows it we can achieve this time the liberation and reunification of our country and people.