Akıncı: ‘‘Cyprus negotiations are very time-sensitive’’

President Mustafa Akıncı has said that he will be reasonable and realistic in his approach to achieving a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue.

Both parties have entered a period of intensified negotiations ahead of the 2016 deadline.

If a settlement is not reached due to factors that are not related to the Turkish Cypriot side, Akıncı reiterated that he will do what is necessary.

However, the President believes that “we should concentrate on the positive scenario for today because a settlement can be achieved.”

President Mustafa Akıncı went on an official visit to New York on 20 September primarily to hold three meetings with the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as part of the Cyprus negotiations. Akıncı returned to the TRNC yesterday.

Akıncı firmly believes that everyone, including Ban Ki-moon, is aware of how important and time-sensitive these negotiations are.

In a phone call yesterday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated that he will maintain regular contact with both parties in order to contribute to the process.

In addition, Akıncı said that requesting a schedule on how both parties will proceed with the negotiations shows that the Turkish Cypriots are sincere in wanting a solution. Akıncı criticized the attitude of those on the Greek Cypriot side who are opposed to a federal settlement and mapping out the best process for the negotiations.

 “In fact, this is extremely misleading. The calendar is clear and it has started to work.

We see the forthcoming process will be in three stages. The first stage, the Leaders’ meeting, is likely to take place on Tuesday, 4 October 2016. We will adhere to our programme and work on 4 chapters.

The second stage would be a Camp style meeting, which will focus on the issue of territory and boundaries. It would be preferable if this meeting were to take place abroad.

Issues of territory, security and guarantees will not be part of the agenda of a five-party multilateral conference’’ Akıncı added.

Akıncı reiterated that discussing the territory issue in an environment where there are exaggerated and speculative press reports in South Cyprus is not possible, and thus they are considering alternatives.

The third stage would be a five party multilateral conference.

A settlement on the island would also help develop Greek-Turkish relations, Akıncı noted.

A settlement that does not guarantee our equality, security and freedom is not a solution that can be approved by the Turkish Cypriot people, President Akıncı added. A solution must be tailored for all communities in Cyprus.