Akıncı: “We head off to Geneva, unwavering and determined, with the goal of establishing a new federal Cyprus where Cypriots can live equally in freedom and security”

President Mustafa Akıncı has stated that “We head off to Geneva unwavering and determined with the goal of establishing bi-zonal, bi-communal new federal Cyprus where Cypriots can live equally in freedom and security based on the political equality of two constituent states.”

President Akıncı made this statement at the annual Presidential New Year’s reception hosted for journalists. Akıncı responded the questions of the journalists and made statements regarding the Cyprus Summit which will be held in Switzerland on January.

In his speech at the reception, President Akıncı stated that a new year means a new term, new hopes, and new beginnings. Pointing out that important meetings will be held at Geneva on 9-11 January 2017 with the participation of both sides and with the participation of three guarantor countries on 12 January, Akıncı continued:

“It is not possible to determine how these meetings will conclude but we shall be attending the talks in Geneva determined to achieve the goal of establishing a new federal Cyprus where Turkish Cypriots will be able to live in equality, freedom, security and where they can exercise their own political will.”

Akıncı pointed out that a political framework for a settlement plan will emerge if the Geneva talks succeed.

“We shall need to fill in the framework of a settlement. A constitution and federal laws will need to be drafted. No doubt, strenuous work will have to be carried out to finalize even the smallest details before the first half of 2017. It is possible to complete all this in a couple of months if the political framework exists. The last mile is always the hardest” he added.

Akıncı stated that several issues which are pertaining to territory, security and guarantees, property, rotational presidency under governance and power sharing and active participation in decision making were issues pending an agreement.

The President also underlined the importance of being reasonable and realistic when heading off to the talks in Geneva. “2017 can be made a year for a solution and peace” he said.