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1 March, 2017President Mustafa Akıncı has said that it is not right to say that negotiations have collapsed completely, adding “Now, we are waiting the Greek Cypriot side to act wisely. We are calling on them to do this”.
Akıncı departed the island last night to head to the 13th Economic Cooperation Organisation Summit in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan.
In a press conference at Ercan Airport before travelling to Pakistan, Akıncı gave his evaluation of the Cyprus negotiations, saying “We are waiting the Greek Cypriot side to take steps in the following days. If they do not take any positive steps, we will reevaluate the situation with the whole community, because it will be a very important decision with great responsibility”.
Akıncı added that the Economic Cooperation Organisation Summit will be held at the highest level among presidents, prime ministers and ministers.
Referring to the Greek Cypriot side’s statements regarding his Pakistan visit, Akıncı said “the Greek Cypriot side is trying to create the impression that I am abandoning the negotiations and going to Pakistan. The Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister expressed the same view. Our taking permission to go to somewhere else is out of question. But as a matter of courtesy, while the agenda was being determined around a month ago, I said that a meeting would not be suitable at the beginning of March due to my visit to Pakistan. This was known by both the Greek Cypriot side and the UN. Despite the fact that the Greek Cypriot side knew this, they have sadly decided to exploit the issue.
Referring to the aftermath of the Greek Cypriot’s side Enosis decision, Akıncı said “I am following the process with great sorrow and astonishment. We will not be on the island for a few days. I hope that when we return, we see the Greek Cypriot side taking some steps. Greece and Turkey should help us. I have always warned that as the election approaches, the process will become more difficult. Therefore, if they want to take steps, they should do it as soon as possible”.