Recent developments in Turkey strengthen Cyprus` position on the issue of security and guarantees, Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides has said.
In statements on Thursday at the Presidential Palace, Christodoulides said that `developments in Turkey confirm or strengthen the position of our side regarding the issue of security and guarantees` explaining that it is not possible to have an overall solution of the Cyprus problem that would provide for the maintenance of the Turkish troops in Cyprus.
“At the same time, they send a message to the Turkish Cypriot community in relation to what kind of future they seek, what future they look forward to, either continuation of this state of affairs and complete reliance on a country like Turkey, with its developments – not only the current ones but over time – or a future in a reunified country, an EU Member State with full respect for EU values and principles, “he said.
Referring to the meeting held earlier between President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and UNSG`s Special Advisor for Cyprus Espen Barth Eide, the Spokesman said that the two men held a constructive discussion focusing on the preparation of tomorrow`s meeting between the leaders of the two communities in the framework of the Cyprus talks, secondly on the situation in Turkey and finally on the briefing of the UN Security Council by Eide that will take place next week.
Asked what issues will be on the table at tomorrow`s meeting between President Anastasiades and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Christodoulides said that they will discuss about the executive, legislative and judicial powers.
“Through the discussion we expect to see if there is further understanding and/or convergences” he said.
Asked if the situation in Turkey has an impact on the Cyprus talks, he said that this is an issue of concern, adding that developments in Turkey influence the Cyprus issue especially today during the current phase of the intensified talks.
`We wait to see on the negotiating table how developments influence the substance of the discussions`, he concluded.
President Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci, are engaged in UN led Cyprus talks aiming to solve the problem of Cyprus, divided since the Turkish invasion against the island in 1974, and reunify the country under a federal system.