The UN peace negotiations for a Cyprus settlement aim is to pursue a solution to the Cyprus problem to the benefit of both communities on the island, leaving no winners or losers, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides has said.
The Foreign Minister was invited by the Press on Sunday to comment on the joint statement of the community leaders in which they underlined their commitment to intensify their efforts in the coming months, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive settlement agreement within 2016. The statement was issued on the first anniversary of their talks, which kicked off on May 15, 2015, under the UN auspices.
Kasoulides pointed out that the discussions on the various chapters in the framework of the UN backed talks are taking place in an inter-dependent way. He said that the talks are based on one main principle, to seek a solution to the Cyprus problem which is to the benefit of both communities and meets the expectations and concerns of both sides.
FM also said that four of the six chapters in the negotiations are currently discussed in a cross-cutting way and afterwards what it is expected is for the chapters on territory and security to open up. He underlined that all six chapters will close together pointing out that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN backed talks between the leaders of the two communities, President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, are underway with the aim to reunite the island under a federal roof.
