Prime Minister Özgürgün: “Solution target for the end of 2016 should not be put away”

Responding to questions on NTV, Prime Minister Hüseyin Özgürgün said that he did not see any will from the Greek Cypriots to reach a solution in Cyprus until end of 2016, but nevertheless expressed full support for President Akıncı in this context. Özgürgün said, “Putting away the target for a solution by the end of 2016 means that the ongoing negotiations will continue for another forty eight years.”

Although there are no issues off the table at the ongoing negotiations, Özgürgün raised questions about whether the Greek Cypriots have the will for a solution.

Furthermore Özgürgün raised the issue of the role of the Church, which as it stands does not accept any agreement. The Greek Cypriot political leader cannot sign an agreement that the Church does not accept. “Any political decision cannot be taken as long the Church is opposed. The Church must be overcome for any solution to occur” said Özgürgün.

Addressing allegations that the ELAM is supported by the Church and organized by factions inside the Greek Cypriot government with the help of certain members of the police and judiciary, Özgürgün draw parallels between ELAM and the EOKA-B.