Reaffirmation of past Christofias-Talat convergences a positive development
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 27th July 2015, Nicosia
AKEL will wait to be briefed by the President of the Republic before putting forth its position in a comprehensive manner concerning the results of today’s meeting between the two leaders.
At first sight, from the statements made by the Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide it appears that the two leaders reaffirmed past convergences on the property issue (the individual right to property is respected, there will be the options of rehabilitation, compensation and exchange, options that would be subject to criteria, a list with the categories of affected properties, an independent commission on property issues will be established). However taking into account that Eroglu in fact had withdrawn the above-mentioned convergences and essentially demanded a complete exchange of properties, we consider their reaffirmation by Mr. Akinci as a positive development.
AKEL believes that if it is possible to achieve further substantive progress on these two chapters based on the respect of the rights of the lawful owners and the territorial adjustments that would enable the return of the majority of the refugees under Greek Cypriot administration, the chances of getting within range of an agreement on the internal aspects of the Cyprus problem will increase significantly. Consequently, we can finally oblige Turkey to directly face up to its responsibilities with regards the core issues of security and the withdrawal of the occupying troops and settlers.
