President must remain consistent to principles and focus on the core outstanding issues
Statement of Georgos Loucaides, AKEL C.C. Spokesperson
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 11th April 2016, Nicosia
Political developments in the occupied areas are provoking justified concern, given that the forces that have always opposed a solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the agreed framework of bi-communal, bi-zonal federation are getting stronger. These negative developments confirm what AKEL stresses at every opportunity, namely that the favorable coincidence that exists for a solution of the Cyprus problem will not apply forever and must be utilized in the best possible way.
Nevertheless, we must not overlook the fact that the negotiations are being conducted between the leaders of the two communities and not by representatives of the pseudo-parliament. We have a duty to do everything that depends on us so that this juncture will not also be lost too, that the partitionist status quo which is changing day by day to our detriment comes to an end and that we achieve the liberation and reunification of our homeland and people.
AKEL is convinced that adherence to principles, the agreed framework and to the Christofias-Talat convergences continues to be the most appropriate and safest way to respond to whatever difficulties. The President of the Republic must remain consistent to the above and focus on the core outstanding issues. He should primarily focus on addressing the property issue, with respect for the right of refugees to return to their homes and properties. We can subsequently get to the substantive discussion of the territorial and security issues, issues on which Turkey will be called upon to demonstrate that its declarations that it is seeking a solution are not just verbal, but that it means what it says in practice.
