Replies of AKEL General Secretary Andros Kyprianou to questions on Cyprus problem

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 12^th June 2017, Nicosia

You said a moment ago that our wish to have a solution as soon as possible. We are few days before Geneva. It seems the ground is being prepared. How do you see things?

I have repeatedly said that we need to be fully briefed by the President of the Republic about what has been said in New York. You realize that the President’s program is such that we have not yet been briefed. We await to see how things will evolve. Our view is clear. A good preparation has to be made so that by going to Geneva there are more chances of a success and not failure. This is our desire, we are ready to contribute in this direction, but to contribute we must first and foremost know what is actually being discussed.

Will the National Council accompany the President to Geneva?

Nothing has been said so far. If and provided that the President of the Republic requests us to go with him to Geneva, as far as AKEL is concerned, we are ready to go. We think that our absence has nothing whatsoever to offer. On the contrary, our presence there can contribute to the efforts to solve the Cyprus problem.

Do you have some clues as to whether the National Council will be convened before we go to Geneva?

We do not have any inclinations, but I think that the National Council must convene before we go to Geneva.

UN SC Special advisor on Cyprus Mr. Eide seems to have been having constant contacts trying to prepare the ground. What information do you have?

The information we have is only journalistic up to now, that is what you know and write about is what we learn. I’ve seen that after 15^th June, contacts will begin in an attempt to formulate the document on security issues. I understand that this will be based on positions that have already been expressed, I don’t know to be honest, and I understand that he will rely on the discussions that took place in Geneva and Mont Peleran 3. We are therefore looking forward to seeing what this document will contain. Our position is clear. And we will repeat it. Turkey’s guarantees and rights of intervention can’t continue. Turkey and the Turkish side need to understand that the concerns of one community regarding its security cannot be met at the expense of the security of the other community. Hence, the concerns of both communities must be taken into account.