Statement by AKEL C.C. Spokesperson Stefanos Stefanou on the convening of an informal conference

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 19 July 2019, Nicosia

The convening of an informal conference with a Crans Montana composition that can pave the way for a resumption of talks from the point where they had remained and on the basis of the UN Secretary-General’s Framework.

The absence of any negotiations over the last two years is dangerous for the course of the Cyprus problem, but also for Cyprus itself, for security and stability. Turkey’s provocative actions in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus, the insufficient EU sanctions against Turkey, the fact that Turkey has been relieved of responsibilities on the Cyprus problem in the reports of submitted by the UN Secretary-General and the danger of forces adhering to partitionist positions assuming the Turkish Cypriot leadership constitute an extremely dangerous and negative situation for our country and people.

That is why our side must do everything in its power for the informal conference to convene and for it to have a positive outcome, something that will pave the way for meaningful talks that we hope will follow.

Our side should go to the conference with a genuine will to arrive at a solution on the basis of the agreed framework. It should clarify its unwavering commitment to the solution of a bi-zonal, bicommunal federation with a single sovereignty, a single nationality, a single international personality and with political equality of the two communities as defined in the relevant UN resolutions. It should convince that it is ready for meaningful talks in the way the UN Secretary-General proposes.

AKEL points out to President Anastasiades that provide that he engages in this procedure, it is imperative that he demonstrates genuine political will. There is no room whatsoever for either a delay or a new failure that will or can be presented as our own fault as well.