Akıncı: “Many factors are increasing the possibility of a solution in comparison to 2004”

President Mustafa Akıncı, who took part in a panel discussion organised by Friedrich Ebert Foundation towards bureaucrats, academicians and the representatives of non-governmental organizations, made a statement at a “round table meeting” and stated that he believed in the possibility of the solution of the Cyprus problem and added that many factors are increasing the possibility of a solution in comparison to 2004.
In his speech, Akıncı emphasized that the role of the UN was different during the solution process in the past and the solution agreement which will be put to a referendum at the current negotiation process will be prepared by himself and the leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration Nikos Anastasiades.
Stating that the division in Cyprus rooted by the time and in case of not reaching a solution at this time, it will never be solved hereafter, Akıncı said: “The biggest problem is the obstacles in the mind. If this problem is sorted out, removing the physical obstacles will be much easier.”
President Akıncı also mentioned that a referendum based on a plan by the UN was held on both sides of the island in 2004 and although the plan was approved by the Turkish Cypriots, the Greek Cypriots became an EU member since 2004. However, the Turkish Cypriots are not recognized. On the other hand, this situation helped the non-solution to become permanent in the island.
Moreover, during his visit to the TRNC Berlin Representative Office, President Mustafa Akıncı also gave an interview to a member of the German International Relations and Security Institute, academician and journalist Dr. Günter Seufert.
After completing his contacts in Berlin, President Mustafa Akıncı and his accompanying delegation have travelled to İstanbul for the 13th Heads of State and Government Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).