Akıncı: “Both the TRNC and the EU have a duty to reach a settlement”

President Mustafa Akıncı said that there are expectations on both the TRNC and the European Union  to achieve a lasting settlement in Cyprus, and they have a duty to do so.

Yesterday, President Akıncı travelled to Brussels, the capital of Belgium, to hold a series of meetings with officials from the European Union and the European Parliament.

During a press conference before his departure, President Akıncı said that he will meet with the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Parliament Martin Schultz and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini.

Akıncı outlined that an agreement has been reached on the date of the five-party meeting and that the Cyprus negotiations have reached a decisive stage. Akıncı also said that the Turkish Cypriot Negotiator will work hard to reach an agreement on the issues where divergences exist and expressed his hope that the Greek Cypriot side will show the same determination.

Akıncı stated that if a settlement is reached in Geneva, the Turkish Cypriots will take their place in the new partnership as equals. Emphasizing that the initial preparation for potentially joining the EU which is being carried out is of great importance, Akıncı expressed that the negotiations with the EU officials are of tremendous significance.

Akıncı stated that the current stage of the negotiation process will be conveyed to the EU officials in Brussels, and also emphasised that a roadmap for the negotiations emerged at the meeting held with the Greek Cypriot Leader Nikos Anastasiades and UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser Espen Barth Eide.