The delegation of AKEL, headed by the General Secretary of the C.C. of the Party Andros Kyprianou, began its contacts in the United States.
The AKEL delegation began its contacts in Washington, where it held meetings with Senator Mr. Robert Menendez, National Security Council Director for Turkey, Cyprus, and Greece to the White House Mr. Mark Schapiro, Special Adviser on European issues at the Office of US Vice-President Biden Mrs. Anna Makantzou and with Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs for Southern Europe and Eastern Mediterranean Affairs of the US State Department Dr. Amanda Sloat.
The General Secretary of the C.C. of AKEL analyzed to all his interlocutors the developments surrounding the current phase of the Cyprus problem. He pointed out that the global economic situation, as well as Turkey´s needs favour the efforts to solve the problem. However, he stressed that to reach a solution on the Cyprus problem it is necessary to take into account the concerns of both communities and not just those of the Turkish Cypriot community or worst of Turkey. He clarified that AKEL should not be taken for granted by anyone and that AKEL will insist on a solution that will be based on principles and the agreed framework. The basic principles that have to do with issues of security, basic freedoms, the territorial issue and the acquis communautaire must not be violated under any circumstances.
The General Secretary of AKEL noted that AKEL backs the negotiation procedure despite being in opposition and despite the destructive attacks DISY party waged against it during the Christofias governance. AKEL´s stand is due to patriotism and responsibility with which it has always acted, but also due to the belief that the correct solution is a prerequisite to enable the existence of growth and prosperity for the people as a whole.
- Kyprianou called for influence to be exerted on Turkey so that Turkey cooperates for the achievement of a correct solution. He noted that Turkey´s verbal declarations made every now and then have so far not been matched at the negotiating table. All the interlocutors expressed their support to the negotiation procedure for the solution of the Cyprus problem. Agreeing that circumstances favour the solution, they said they would turn to Turkey, while they also made reference to AKEL´s responsible and constructive stand.
The AKEL delegation departed for New York where it will continue its contacts.
The General Secretary of AKEL is accompanied by Toumazos Tselepis, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C. of AKEL and Elias Demetriou, member of the International Relations Department of the C.C. of AKEL.
