Meral Akıncı and Andri Anastasiades contribute to the negotiation process
20 June, 2016Özgürgün: “Delegation of any authority with the Coordination Office is out of the question”
20 June, 2016Stating that the negotiations chapter on federal competences is near completion, President Mustafa Akıncı said that Negotiators and Leaders could finalize this matter at their next meeting.
Upon his return to the Presidency, President Akıncı explained that the meeting had been “efficient and detailed”, adding that both parties were “on the verge of finalizing the chapter on federal competences”.
President Mustafa Akıncı then answered questions from the press:
– He acknowledged that there are problems at Derinya and Aplıç crossing-points, concerning the process of requesting for tender involving the UN Development Program and EU financing. He assured the press that this issue had been addressed prior to the Leaders’ meeting. He said that the UNDP went out to tender for the two crossing points. He reminded the press that the remaining work regarding ongoing road projects on both sides will be carried out through requests for tender. Referring to claims that there will be a delay concerning Aplıç crossing point on the southern side to be constructed by Greek Cypriot contractors, President Akıncı stressed that regardless of the difficulties, he is hopeful that Greek Cypriots are able to complete the preparations within four or five months.
– Asked about recent comments by the Greek Cypriot administration that: “if enough [oil and gas] reserves are found, a part of the income will be used for financing a solution but it shouldn’t be forgotten that this is also the responsibility of other states”, and whether the Turkish Cypriot side will propose establishing a committee dedicated to the funding of a solution, President Akıncı responded that the natural resources in the Eastern Mediterranean could be an opportunity for increased cooperation, but also tension, not only for Cyprus but also the wider region.
President Akıncı added that the international community and the EU have reiterated their support for the funding of a solution. In addition, Turkey will not walk away from its responsibility on this issue. “The necessary step ahead of us is to reach consensus to establish a federal structure which will protect the two sides” said the President.