Akıncı : “Negotiation process is resuming”

In his press statement after the meeting with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Adviser for Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide, President Akıncı have pointed out that the negotiation process will resume and that they have discussed how to take this process forward with Eide.

Akıncı said: “we have made our first contact with Mr. Eide about how far we can take this process to” and added “ the time have come to make a positive outcome on this process, which have been going on since 1968. Now let’s put an end to it, let’s put a crown on it with a solution. I will work for this goal.”

Reminding that they will meet for a dinner on May 11th with the Greek Cypriot administration leader Nikos Anastasiadis, Akıncı said “the normal process will begin after the meeting we will have there.”

Stating that there is an important opportunity for a solution of Cyprus Problem, the opportunity which was missed 10 years ago is reborn again, Akıncı also said by being elected as a President he observed that a very positive atmosphere has been created.”

Stating that in the past Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots had a lot of pain, new generation wants to see the sharing of the blessings of the Island, Akıncı said “let’s make this more than a wish, let’s give it life. Let’s put a crown on it with a solution. I will work for this aim. I believe Anastasiadis will show the same determination.”

President Akıncı also stated that they will again meet with Eide on 8th of May.

President Akıncı indicated that he hopes the Greek administration Leader Anastasiadis also shares the vision of a solution, and added that if the problem cannot be solved, it will be harder for the next generation to reach a solution in the future.

Related to the opening of Varosha, Famagusta harbor to international trade and Ercan Airport to international flights, Akıncı said that they have not discussed these with Eide, but he is still behind his vision he shared with Turkish Cypriots.

Akıncı said : “All confidence-building measures, including this one should be viewed as a triggering element towards a comprehensive solution, Leaders first and foremost must come together to discuss all topics. First of all they need to see whether they share the same vision or not.” Pointing to joint works he carried on with Nicosia Greek municipality during his presidency of Nicosia Turkish Municipality, Akıncı said “the basic starting point is common needs, we can start from this point. The same principle also applies to the Cyprus problem, both sides should feel the common needs”.

United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Adviser for Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide also spoke to press after the meeting and said: “we have in front of us the best opportunity (for a solution) of last 10 years.”

Eide stated that they will meet with Greek Cypriot administration Leader Nikos Anastasiadis tomorrow morning and discuss how the process can be moved forward and they will announce what path the process will take at the dinner which will take place on 11th May between Akıncı and Anastasiadis.

Eide said “it’s very clear that the process will resume, I believe it will start in a very constructive environment”.