According to illegal Bayrak television (17.03.16) Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akύncύ argued that the road to a solution in Cyprus does not pass through Brussels but through Nicosia.
Issuing a written statement yesterday, Akinci drew attention to the importance of Turkey and Greece in reaching a settlement but reminded that the ongoing process is a Cypriot led process.
Pointing out that the refugee crisis in Europe had created the possibility of new opportunities in Turkey’s EU membership process, Akinci said that the matter had once again turned the spotlight on the issue of opening up Turkish ports to Greek Cypriot traffic. “We from the very beginning have supported Turkey’s full membership to the European Union. We are, however, aware that as long as the Cyprus problem remains unresolved, this will not be fully possible. Despite the fact that there are numerous obstacles for Turkey’s full membership, it is the settlement of the Cyprus problem which will ease EU-Turkey relations to a certain degree”, said Akinci.
Akύncύ also pointed out that it would be a mistake to think that the principles so carefully upheld by Turkey and the “TRNC” on the issue of opening ports will be abandoned.
“Those who believe that the Turkish Cypriots will be sidelined in the solution process are dreaming” Akinci said, adding that any attempts to sideline the “TRNC” in the talks will be unsuccessful.
The road to a solution in Cyprus does not pass through Brussels but through Nicosia”
