Statements by the General Secretary of the C.C. of AKEL Andros Kyprianou on the latest developments on the Cyprus problem
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 17th December 2016, Nicosia
On the Cyprus problem
The Cyprus problem has entered a critical and very decisive phase. We therefore need to prepare ourselves thoroughly, with all the alternative options that we have, on all the important outstanding issues, and on the procedure that will certainly follow. In our view to achieve this goal the National Council must convene, where the views and positions of the political parties can be submitted, provided of course they are seeking a solution that we have agreed together for thirty nine years. We need to act adhering to principles, with unity and in a collective and constructive manner. The necessary mutual respect should exist between us and not the distortion of reality. Of course the President of the Republic has the primary responsibility towards this end, but the political parties as a whole also have corresponding responsibilities.
AKEL addresses an appeal to all the political parties to support the procedure, to back the President of the Republic, not to undermine him, but judge him according to the results that will emerge from this procedure. It is in our opinion imperative that the close and harmonious cooperation with the Government of Greece continues, but also with the political ground as a whole in Greece, so that we can go to the procedure in Geneva as strong as possible, especially with regards the very difficult phase during which the issues relating to security will be discussed.
The appeal we address to all is that at this critical and decisive juncture we are going through we should think about the present and the future of Cyprus, to think about the future generations and not simply about the next election campaign.
Does AKEL have a proposal concerning the issue of the political staff that will accompany the President and have you conveyed the Party’s proposals?
I believe this issue has already been clarified. The President of the Republic will be accompanied by his advisors, that is to say those people who will enhance the negotiating team. He is the one who will decide what its composition will be. As far as the political parties are concerned, the President has asked the political parties to accompany him to Geneva. We express our readiness to go to Geneva and try to contribute with positions, proposals and ideas, always, I repeat, in a constructive manner and not to undermine the President’s efforts
The other parties? Do you have any indications whether they will or not attend?
You should ask the parties themselves. Reference has been made. I think that some of these political parties have already expressed their readiness to attend. Some have said they will decide according to the conditions that will evolve at the given moment in time.
Have you had any contact with Mr. Tsipras, given that there is a close cooperation between the two?
I had a telephone conversation with Greek Prime Minister Mr. Tsipras and Foreign Minister Mr. Kotzia. We exchanged opinions and thoughts. That’s all I can say right now, I can’t say anything more.
Local municipal elections
I would like to address an appeal to the people to participate en masse in tomorrow’s local elections. It is through participation and the submission of proposals that we will drive matters forward. It is therefore of upmost importance that the people participate in this procedure which affects their daily livelihood and for the people to make their own choices as they understand it.
Do you fear the big problem of abstention?
I believe participation and not abstention is an important moment in democracy. It is in this sense that we address an appeal for the people to participant and express their view, regardless of the opinion.
