AKEL will wait for an official briefing before setting out its own position in a comprehensive manner with respect to President Anastasiades’ statement that progress has been registered on the Cyprus problem. We consider the President’s evaluation that he hasn’t ascertained a change in the Turkish Cypriot leader’s stand as a consequence of developments in the occupied territories as encouraging. We hope and wish that’s precisely the case.
We reiterate that the current favourable coincidence can and must be harnessed towards a solution of the Cyprus problem based on principles and the agreed framework. The developments in the occupied areas are creating additional difficulties in this difficult endeavour, particularly the intention to proceed to mass “naturalizations” of settlers, which if it were eventually to be implemented would deal a blow to the negotiating procedure.
The Christofias – Talat convergences act as a shield of protection from such machinations. Firstly, for the respect of the population ratio of 4: 1 at the time of the solution. Secondly, for maintaining the same ratio on the future influx of Greek and Turkish citizens. And thirdly, that previous actions on citizenship and immigration issues will not apply. To put it simply, any “naturalizations” will not be taken into account in the overall solution of the Cyprus problem.
We urge the President to utilize these convergences even if they were demonized in the past and in general to continue the effort from where they had left off. The next few months will be decisive as to whether we will be able to utilize the juncture and reach a solution that will liberate and reunite our country and people.
