The two leaders should focus on finding ways to overcome the problems that have arisen
Statement by Stefanos Stefanou, AKEL C.C. Spokesperson
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 18th February 2017, Nicosia
The situation surrounding the Cyprus problem is critical. If the negotiation procedure were to collapse it would be catastrophic for the prospects of solving the problem.
AKEL stresses that the two leader’s responsibility and obligation should be to find ways to overcome the problems that have arisen. At the critical point the situation has reached this is precisely where the two leaders need to focus on. The mutual playing of a blame game feeds the crisis and serves the expediencies of those circles and forces who are seeking to damage the negotiation procedure and lead it to a dead end.
The negotiations have yielded significant progress. Important convergences have been recorded between the two sides. If the negotiations were to break down there is a serious possibility that the convergences will be lost. It is therefore imperative that the two leaders complete the effort to achieve a solution. Whether we will arrive at an agreed overall solution will be determined at the negotiating table. It would be a shame and unjust for the effort that has been made so far if the negotiation procedure were to be interrupted, a development that will have adverse consequences.
AKEL will continue its efforts and initiatives to defuse the situation and for the continuation of the negotiations.