Under the title “If the determination continues, an early solution will be reached”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (03.07.15) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci has told foreign journalists in Brussels that in case the determination and the momentum in the Cyprus negotiations continue, the solution of the problem is possible within months, not years. During his last day of his visit in Brussels, Akinci talked to foreign correspondents, including representatives from Reuters and Wall Street Journal and had an exclusive interview with the Economist.
Akinci said that during his visit in Brussels he had the opportunity to stress their determination for reaching a solution which takes into consideration the interests of the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots. Akinci noted that the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots have been seeing each other as enemies for many years, but this should change. He said that this was valid for Greece and Turkey as well and argued that many new possibilities will be created with a new understanding.
Akinci reiterated that the non-solution in Cyprus constitutes a problem for the EU as well and argued that the continuation of the current situation for many decades to come is unacceptable. He also expressed the view that a solution in Cyprus will be “encouraging” for the peoples of the region.
The Turkish Cypriot leader reiterated that the Turkish Cypriots want the development of their relations with the EU adding that this is important from the point of view of their accession to the Union after a possible solution. He said that the EU officials understand this and he expects steps to be taken within the next few months for the advancement of their relations.
Referring to the negotiations, Akinci said that the points of agreement and disagreement have been clarified and efforts are being exerted for agreeing on the issues in which different opinions exist.
Akinci noted that they expect the interconnection of the electricity networks within the next six months and this will make possible the decrease of the prices and the inclusion to the system of a more renewable energy implementation. Referring to the problem experienced in the mobile phones communication, Akici argued that having such problems in these days is unconceivable and added that overcoming the technical problems might take a few weeks, but the political decision has been taken. Akinci said that the completion of the preparations for opening the crossing points in Deryneia and Apliki areas might take a couple of months. Erhan Ercin, member of Akinci’s delegation, added on this issue that these crossing points should be included into the scope of the EU’s Green Line Regulation and that they expect the European Commission to discuss the issue on its agenda. Akinci referred also to the problem experienced in the radio frequencies and said that the issue is being discussed at the technical committees’ level.
Referring to the joint social activities of the two leaders, Akinci noted that the leaders attach importance to the perceptions of the people and added that when the people see the two leaders together “started to believe that something is changing”.
Responding to a question, Akinci argued that two seats had been separated for the Turkish Cypriots at the European Parliament (EP) and alleged that one of the improvements which could be made is to invite two Turkish Cypriots to the EP’s sessions so as to be able to better see how the body operates. He pointed out that there are thirty five chapters in the process of the harmonization with the EU, but only in the twelve chapters work is being carried out for the harmonization of the Turkish Cypriots. A move should be made on this issue, he argued.
Referring to the cost of the solution in Cyprus, Akinci said that this will be a costly solution and that new settling places will be needed. He argued: “This will be a costly solution. No matter how much we try to keep low the number of the people who will be displaced, new settling places will be needed. This means a great cost”.
As regards the issue of guarantees, Akinci said that the guarantees derive from an international agreement and therefore Greece, Turkey, Britain, the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots. He noted that they provide for the materialization of a multi-party meeting in September for discussing the issue, but this depends on the progress to be achieved in the negotiations by September. “If we agree on all issues which we have in front of us, then we will find something mutually acceptable on the issue of guarantees as well”, he added.
Akinci described the natural gas found in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone and the water to be brought to the occupied area of the island from Turkey as a “great opportunity” for the development of the relations between the Turkish Cypriots, the Greek Cypriots, Turkey and Greece.
Asked about his impression from his contacts with EU officials, Akinci said that he observed the belief that the solution in Cyprus could be reached soon.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (03.07.15) reports that Akinci completed his contacts in Brussels yesterday by meeting with Gianni Pittella, President of the Socialists and Democrats’ Group at the EP. He also had a working lunch with officials of the German Marshall Fund think tank. Akinci and his delegation departed from Brussels yesterday.