The Leaders confirm their commitment toexisting mutual agreements

President Mustafa Akıncı and Greek Cypriot Leader Nikos Anastasiades met in the buffer zone yesterday as part of the intensified negotiation process. Following the Leaders’ meeting, President Akıncı made a statement to the press and said that six meetings will take place in July.

President Akıncı stated that the vision of both Turkish and Greek Cypriots is to preserve the validity of the common understandings and agreements which have been reached so far. Akıncı emphasized that it is important not to change or weaken these agreements. Stating that discussions about federal competencies are continuing, Akıncı said that the property chapter will be addressed as early July 1. He added that despite all the positive convergences, some disagreements remain.

The discussions at yesterday’s meeting focused on two sub-headings of the federal competencies chapter: “the cooperation and coordination agreements to be established between the two constituent states and among the federal central government and constituent states” and “deal-making authorities of the constituent states within their jurisdiction”.

Akıncısaid that for the first time, comprehensive negotiations about these chapters are being held at Leaders’ level. He added that they are close to finalizing this matter.

Mentioning that he shares the grief of the Greek Cypriot community and sent a condolence message to Nikos Anastasiades regarding the ongoing forest fires in Troodos and the fire-fighters who lost their lives, President Akıncı expressed his sadness that the communities were unable to collaborate even in the face of such a disaster.

Akıncı explained that this lack of solidarity between the two sides is problematic. He argued that everyone who valuestheir environment, nature, and society should think and act in accordance with a framework of solidarity, adding that the event will have adamaging impact not only on the forest itself, but also on both communities, whose disappointment will grow.Akıncı insisted that it was crucial to overcome these political obstacles in such circumstances.