Akıncı: “If the way to a solution way does not become apparent in Geneva then the TRNC can continue as a democratic, free and secular state.”

Speaking in a press conference at Ercan Airport ahead of his departure to the Cyprus negotiations in Geneva, President Mustafa Akıncı stated that the political equality of the Turkish Cypriot people should be embodied in the negotiations in Geneva.

Akıncı stated that “if the way to a solution does not become apparent in Geneva then the TRNC can continue as a democratic, free and secular state.” However, the President emphasised that their priority is to establish a federal structure on the island.

Akıncı also underlined that the negotiating team does not have a policy either to become a part of South Cyprus or to become a province of Turkey.

President Akıncı pointed out the importance of the organization of such a conference, the first of its kind for many years. He stated that the Turkish Cypriot side would go to Geneva in a responsible manner, with political will and determination to obtain a successful result.

When asked if the Greek Cypriot side have the same attitude, Akıncı called on the guarantor countries, the EU and the international community to help in this regard.