Replies of General Secretary of AKEL Andros Kyprianou to journalists’ questions on the Cyprus problem

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 13 November 2018, Nicosia

What’s happening, how is the procedure moving forward? With regards to the terms of reference now, I gather the impression that this issue is now widening? That is to say, we are going beyond the Guterres framework and going on a broader basis?

AK: I think the very essence of the matter is precisely what you have pointed out. That is, while the demands made by the UN Secretary-General for resuming the negotiations were more specific and simpler in my opinion, now with the terms of reference an attempt is underway to achieve something more complex and demanding. I won’t by definition take a stand as to what is being attempted, I want to make that clear. However it is extremely important that we handle the matter correctly in order to have the correct results.

What is being attempted? First and foremost, from what I understand, an attempt will be made to record where we are. That is to say, there are convergences. Do we all have the same perception of these convergences? Do we all give the same interpretation as regards the provisions of the Guterres Framework? Is it clear what new ideas will be discussed?

All these issues need to be put forward and it should be made clear that we all should have the same approach on these issues. When I say all I mean the two communities. We subsequently have to clear up where we are going. Do we pursue the same goal? Yesterday, Mr. Akinci said something that concerned us. He said that I insist on a solution of Bi-zonal, Bi-communal Federation, but if the Greek Cypriot side wants to discuss something else it should say so openly and we should discuss it. Mr. Anastasiades must answer in a convincing way – not just verbally and simply. He should declare that our side does not discuss anything other than the solution of federation.

And of course, to come back to the terms of reference, I understand that when it will be clarified that we share the same common goal, the procedure that will be followed needs to be discussed so that we can conclude on this common goal. Things, I repeat, are more demanding and more complex. There is a danger of the procedure collapsing from the discussion of the terms of reference and this worries us tremendously.

I shall reiterate our appeal to Mr. Anastasiades that he needs to go to these discussions very well prepared and at the same time with determination that he will move within the framework of the long-standing decisions of the National Council. There is no need for any experimentations at this critical phase we are going through. There is no need to try to deviate from the substance of the issues by engaging in tactical games.

Do you see this persistence on this convergence of the terms of reference being made by the Greek Cypriot side aiming at wasting time?

AK: This, in my view, is unquestionably extremely dangerous, but the most dangerous thing is for this effort to formulate terms of reference to break down. If it actually does, you realize that the consequences will be negative and dangers will emerge; dangers related to the prospects and the future of the Cyprus problem, but more particularly for Cyprus and the Cypriot people. And for us all of these things worry us. Various things are being heard from various quarters.

I repeat our appeal to Mr. Anastasiades which is that he should realize his responsibility towards the country and the people and to handle the issues in the most effective way. We are facing a big problem called Turkey. Let us not exacerbate this problem with our own mistakes, regressions and contradictions.

Why do you believe or assess that the Secretary-General himself with the terms of reference has broadened the discussions while we all had the impression that we went to Crans Montana in a framework that consisted of five or six points?

AK: It is obvious that the Secretary-General wants, if negotiations are to resume, to be sure that this time there will be a positive outcome. If we manage to reach a conclusion on the terms of reference, as we at least understand them, then we will have covered much of the distance for the achievement of a solution to the Cyprus problem. If not, of course, and that’s where our great concerns stem from, then we will face a great many dangers. That is why we say there must be determination, political will on our part and preparation, proper preparation.