Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (08.05.15) reports that the British High Commissioner in Cyprus Ric Todd, in a visit to the newly elected Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, said that there are potentials for a Cyprus settlement and that he keeps his optimism. He also sent the message that Britain is ready to do everything in its power.
During the meeting with Todd, the “presidential spokesman” Baris Burcu, the self-styled foreign ministry undersecretary Erhan Ercin, as well as officials from the British High Commission were also present.
Replying to the paper’s questions, Todd said that he is optimistic for the solution of the Cyprus problem, adding that his optimism is attributed to two reasons. First, he is a diplomat and the diplomats have to believe that they can solve problems. Secondly, Todd referred to the statement made by the UNSG’s Special Adviser Espen Barth Eide that there is an opportunity moment for a solution in Cyprus, adding that a huge potential is for this among the Cypriots in the island.
Todd expressed his government’s support to the ongoing process as well as its readiness to assist in efforts to reach a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem. He also reminded that Britain’s Minister for Europe David Lidington spoke last week with Akinci over the phone.
Noting that United Kingdom is always involved with the Cyprus issue, Todd said that Britain always takes its responsibilities seriously, not only as a guarantor country, but also as member of the UN Security Council.
Stating that London has a close interest on the Cyprus issue for both sentimental and humanitarian reasons, Todd said that they have a history of the past and there are close family relations and ties between the British and the Cypriots, for this reason it is really important for them those who live in this country.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (08.05.15), under the title “Again behind closed doors”, reports that the first diplomats who visited Akinci after his election were the US Ambassador and the British High Commissioner. Particularly, the paper reports that the US Ambassador Koenig visited Akinci the day before Akinci’s visit to Ankara. The interesting thing is what has been discussed behind these closed doors, but like in the old days and now there is not any detailed briefing regarding these contacts.