Statements by Akinci after meeting with AnastasiadesAccording to illegal Bayrak television (09.07.16), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Ak?nc? has reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot side did not find it right to discuss the chapter of territory before the right time, that is towards the end.
He said that the Turkish Cypriot side is very sensitive on the matter and refused to discuss names, percentages, or maps, before.
In statements after meeting with President Nicos Anastasiades within the framework of the Cyprus negotiation talks, Akinci said: “We want to discuss this matter soon because we want to conclude discussions on the Cyprus problem, but today was not the day”.
Discussions at the meeting had focused on the issue of freedoms, citizenship and voting rights.
Describing the meeting as productive and useful, Ak?nc? said that the issues of territory, security and guarantees will be discussed at their meeting on the 29th of July.
Akinci also explained that Tuesday’s meeting will focus on the chapter of economy and the EU matters and added that during the meeting the co-chairmen of the working groups will also be attending.
Responding to a question regarding Anastasiades’s earlier statement that a solution will not be possible without the return of Morfou, Akinci stated that since territory is a subject which will be taken up at the very end, they refused to discuss the issue at the current time.
Pointing out that the 2004 UN Sponsored Annan Plan was a comprehensive settlement plan; Ak?nc? said that no one could pick up issues from the plan which suited their interest.
He also pointed out that the maps, percentages or names could be discussed just before the last chapter of Security and Guarantees.
“Nevertheless we shall be holding a brainstorming session on territory on the July 29. We shall however not be discussing any names or maps at that meeting” he added.
Ak?nc? concluded by saying that it is high time the Cyprus problem is solved but that this could only be possible through a balanced settlement that would safeguard the rights and interests of both sides.