President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades reiterated on Thursday he would not proceed with talks with the Turkish Cypriot leader just for the sake of talks.
The President referred the need for actions that will give a new round of talks on the Cyprus issue an impetus and prospect for a solution.
Everyone now seems to realise that unless the basic principles are clarified in a manner that will not allow ambiguities or cause problem to the talks, it’s impossible to reach a solution based on the UN resolutions and one that will allow us to function properly as a full member of the EU, Anastasiades said.
He also spoke of audacity on the part of the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu.
Anastasiades stressed that he would not engage in a “dialogue of the deaf” at the expense of the talks and assured that he will stick to principles, noting that the Greek Cypriots crave for a solution of the Cyprus issue more than those occupying their land.
We want a European country, without occupying troops, in which the Turkish Cypriots can definitely fit, the President added.
Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots must understand that if they want a solution they have to listen to what the international organisations say and what principles and values the EU advocates.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. A new round of UN-led talks is expected to begin in the upcoming months with the aim to reunite the island under a federal roof.
Referring to the second assessment by the lenders of the Cyprus adjustment programme, the President said the no other country has had the performance of Cyprus and noted that Troika praises the country’s efforts to overcome difficulties as soon as possible.
Cyprus’ macroeconomic adjustment program remains on track and good progress has been made in all areas, IMF Mission Chief for Cyprus Delia Velculescu said on Thursday.
Speaking during a teleconference, upon the finalization of the second review mission in Cyprus, Velculescu said that fiscal performance has been strong and all program targets were met with comfortable margins.
