The Cyprus issue and possibilities of a new process for its resolution were the focus of a meeting on Thursday between Greek Cypriot party AKEL Secretary General Andros Kyprianou and a delegation of the Turkish Cypriot Republican Turkish Party (CTP) headed by its leader Özkan Yorgancıoğlu.
In statements they made after the meeting the two men reaffirmed their parties’ will for a solution to be found.
Kyprianou said that his party has always had a pro solution position provided that it is just, functioning and viable. We feel, he noted that this is important in order for peace to prevail in the island permanently and for there to be security, progress and prosperity for all the Cyprus people.
Finding a solution to the Cyprus issue is even more important in today’s difficult circumstances, he noted, adding that the right solution would help the island overcome economic problems.
Kyprianou further clarified that AKEL believes that talks should recommence within the agreed framework and from the point where they had stopped.
UN led talks to reunify the island divided in 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third, stalled on the part of the Turkish Cypriot side just before the Republic of Cyprus assumed the EU Council rotating Presidency in July 2012.
Replying to a question, he said the National Council will not meet again before a dinner the two leaders will have on May 29, noting that it is his understanding that during the dinner the two leaders will not discuss the substance of the Cyprus issue.
As far as we know, he said, President Anastasiades wishes for talks to resume soon, but has asked for the necessary time in order for the ground to be properly prepared, adding that AKEL agrees with that notion, so that when the new effort starts an agreement can be reached.
On his part Yorgancıoğlu, who was speaking through an interpretor, said that his party’s position is that talks should be based on previous UN decisions and the joint decisions reached by former Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.
He also referred to the dinner the two leaders will have, noting that it is important so that President Anastasiades can appoint his special representative and that a preparative process may begin.
Yorgancıoğlu further spoke for the need for a comprehensive solution to be found and expressed the point of view that the solution of the Cyprus issue could help the island’s economy withstand outside pressures and could create greater opportunities for foreign investors.
Finally, he expressed his party’s readiness to support the policies of the two leaders as long as they are moving in the direction of a solution.