Akıncı: “A similar type of meeting to that of choosing the Pope is necessary”

Pointing out that they are at a point of mutual compromise President Akıncı said:”The time for concentrated peace talks in Cyprus, where the parties to the solution should be locked up in a room and not allowed out until they reach an agreement, is needed.”

Referring to the type of meeting implemented to choose a Pope, the papal conclave, Akıncı said he believed the time was approaching for a similar exercise, but he admitted the Greek Cypriot administration was not yet sharing this opinion.

“You know how they choose the new Pope? They all gather in one place and they do not go out until they choose one, [and then] you see smoke coming out”  said Akıncı, adding a similar type of meeting was necessary to reach a final agreement.

Asked about the modalities of the meeting, Akıncı, who addressed the students on December 10 at Istanbul’s Kadir Has University, said guarantor states would have to be present in that meeting as well.

There has been important progress on three main issues, namely governance, economic issues and the European Union, according to Akıncı. On the remaining three issues – properties, land and security – difficulties still remain, he said, adding the two sides needed to enter a period where they will have to sort out differences in a concentrated effort.

Talks conducted in Cyprus constitute the last effort of the older generation to find a solution based on a federation, said Akıncı. He underlined how the young generation on both sides of the island are like strangers to each other after years of division.

“This is the last effort of my generation to find a solution under a federal roof. Young generations on the island will have to find other ways,” he said, adding, “We need to solve the issue in a matter of months, not years.”