AKEL and CTP appeal for common declaration deal
AKEL Secretary-General Andros Kyprianou and Republican Turkish Party (CTP) President Ozkan Yorgancioglu appealed Tuesday to the leaders of the two Cyprus communities to reach an agreement on a common declaration that will pave the way for the resumption of Cyprus talks.
Talks, aiming at reunifying the island under a federal roof, stalled since summer 2012, while a new UN-backed effort started last autumn. No agreement on a common declaration between the two sides has been reached so far.
The leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leftist parties met at AKEL headquarters, in Nicosia and discussed the effort to reach a common declaration.
According to Kyprianou, both parties “have fought over time for a Cyprus solution based in principles”. He added that both agree that time is running out and pointed out that the two community leaders need to conclude a deal concerning a common declaration, the soonest.
AKEL SG further said that he would support a substantial dialogue, once started, with the aim of reuniting the country and the people, on the basis of the principles agreed.
Yorgancioglu stated, through am interpreter, that the passing of time without a Cyprus solution solidifies the status quo on the island and noted that a solution will create prospects, benefiting both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
A Cyprus solution will contribute to the economy’s recovery in both parts of the island, CTP President said and noted that his party is for a solution, the soonest possible.
According to Yorgancioglu, the two sides are close to an agreement over the common declaration and called on both leaders to reach the final agreement, with UN support.
