Replies by the General Secretary of the C.C. of AKEL S.Stefanou to journalist’s questions

 

14 June 2022, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

On the announcement of the independent candidate Andreas Mavroyiannis

The announcement conveys a clear indication of the progressive change that Andreas Mavroyiannis wants to bring about. It is this progressive change that we too want to bring. A change for a progressive approach in society, the economy and the need to end the downward slide that our country and society are on. To restore a perspective and optimism to the people.

On the prospect of victory

Our call and that of Mr. Andreas Mavroyiannis addresses society and the political forces in general which understand the need for progressive change in the country. We had said from the outset that this is the goal we are setting in the Presidential Elections. The choice we have made, by supporting the independent candidate Andreas Mavroyiannis, gives prospects for a wide-ranging rallying of forces and a broader social alliance that can create prospects for victory. If the candidacy of Andreas Mavroyiannis was not a victorious prospect, then we would also put this in the equation of the search and ultimately the decision we took at the Pancyprian Conference.

On Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu’s statements

I want to denounce the statements of Mr. Cavusoglu. Turkey’s provocative and intransigent stand is a serious problem and an obstacle to the efforts for a resumption of the negotiations to complete the efforts to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem. For this very reason, we stress the need for concrete initiatives to be taken in order to create momentum to break the prolonged deadlock on the Cyprus problem. A prolonged deadlock, which Turkey is using as a tool to perpetuate the de facto partition. Therefore, we, who are not and will never accept partition, need to take initiatives in the direction of the international community. We must put before Turkey the challenge-invitation to come back to the negotiating table for a solution of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality. This is an issue that we have discussed with Mr. Mavroyiannis as well and it is an issue that Mr. Mavroyiannis fully endorses in his announcement.

At the same time, I would like to stress that against Turkey’s efforts to instrumentalize the deadlock on the Cyprus problem in order to reinforce the partition, we also have the mobilizations of our Turkish Cypriot compatriots who oppose Turkey’s efforts to integrate and absorb the Turkish Cypriot community. We must support this effort by our Turkish Cypriot compatriots. There is no better support for the mobilisations than the effort to break the deadlock and to continue the negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem. If there is one way to at long last put an end to Turkey’s attempt to consolidate partition, incorporate and make the Turkish Cypriot community extinct, it is through the solution to the Cyprus problem. A solution that liberates and reunites.

On the fact that Mr. Mavroyiannis was a negotiator

Mr. Mavroyiannis was a negotiator for the President of the Republic, Mr. Anastasiades. Like any negotiator, for any President of the Republic, he isn’t the one that handles and takes the decisions on the Cyprus problem. But as a negotiator he facilitates and promotes the political decisions that the President of the Republic and from time to time the National Council take on the Cyprus problem.

From there onwards, it is very important to see what needs to be done to break the deadlock on the Cyprus problem. On this point, I repeat that we have a common understanding with Mr. Mavroyiannis. Namely, that specific initiatives need to be taken, seeking tools and incentives that can create momentum for the resumption of the negotiations.

On that point we can find these tools and incentives mainly with regards the energy field. An issue which is being discussed with particular intensity today anyway, because of the war in Ukraine. It is well known that AKEL submitted a proposal to the President of the Republic on this very issue some time ago. Therefore, by taking specific initiatives, with steadfastness/consistency to the basis and framework of the solution, we can exhaust all the possibilities at our disposal to break the deadlock.

Andreas Mavroyiannis has the experience, knowledge, relations and contacts internationally to enable us to move things forward in the direction of reaching a solution of the Cyprus problem.