We call on the two leaders to engage in the UN exploratory effort adequately prepared and focused on how they will be able to reach an agreement that will permit the resumption of substantive negotiations

Statements by the General Secretary of AKEL Andros Kyprianou following a meeting with a delegation from the United Cyprus Party BKP

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 14 November 2018, Nicosia

We had a very substantive discussion with our friend Izzet Izcan, who was our guest today, heading a delegation from the United Cyprus Party BKP. We exchanged views on the state of play surrounding the Cyprus problem and we expressed our deep concern about the protracted deadlock that exists after Crans Montana.

Unfortunately, the prolonged stalemate is consolidating fait accompli on the ground and at the same time it offers the opportunity to some forces and circles who are beginning, as they tell us, to think “out of the box”. This is extremely dangerous for our country’s future and prospects.

It seems that the United Nations are now promoting an exploratory procedure in consultation with the two leaders, to see whether the ground exists so that substantive negotiations can resume, as I understand if possible by the beginning of the new year. It appears that this sounding out, due to begin, will be extremely important for the future and prospect of the negotiations on the Cyprus problem. Our own appeal to both leaders is to approach the United Nations exploratory effort with due seriousness, a responsible stand and to fully comprehend their responsibilities towards Cyprus and the Cypriot people as a whole.

It is very important that they manage to agree on the terms of reference which must be based on the relevant decisions of the United Nations, the High-Level Agreements, International Law and the principles upon which the European Union is founded.

We therefore call on the two leaders to engage in this United Nations exploratory effort adequately prepared and focused on how they will be able to reach an agreement that will permit the resumption of substantive negotiations on the Cyprus problem. We call on them not to attempt to introduce ideas and thoughts that will endanger the whole procedure. Woe betide if we allow through our actions and handlings the fulfillment of Rauf Denktash’s the long-standing vision. That is to say, for our island to be partitioned.

We have agreed that we shall continue these contacts and consultations between us, with the aim of taking joint actions to reject the possible derailment of the Cyprus problem from the correct basis of the solution.

I would like to thank our friend Izzet for the meeting we had and which we will, of course, repeat in the near future.