Akıncı: “The basis of living together in Cyprus is trust”

Speaking at an event, President Akıncı has said that the basis of living together in Cyprus is the building of trust between the two communities, and that attacks and harassment, which Turkish Cypriots face in South Cyprus, have already damaged the climate of confidence.

President Akıncı noted that 22 incidents of attacks and harassment of Turkish Cypriots in South Cyprus have been recorded. He added that these were the cases that have been reported in the press, and came to light, after a complaint to the Greek Cypriot police and that a new one is being added to them every day.

In his speech, Akıncı said: “The building of trust between the two communities is crucial if we want to establish a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal structure, in order to live in peace on this island. This trust cannot be achieved by attacking Turkish Cypriots’ cars and those who travel to South Cyprus”

Akıncı also said, “As the Turkish Cypriot community, we would be content to see those who commit these crimes brought before the court and punished. Only if this occurs can we establish a deterrent and develop a culture of peace in Cyprus. ”

Akıncı continued, “The negotiations have resumed. We currently have 4 scheduled meetings. These 4 meetings are vital.  In this process, the UN should be more active and more helpful than ever. We do not have any expectations for the UN to arbitrate, to put official proposals on the table, or to fill in the gaps as in the Annan Plan.

President Akıncı said, “It is crucial that every state is to be functional. It is also important that representatives of every state must participate in the decision making process in each state organ.”

Furthermore, Akıncı stressed that no party should be seen to simply ‘take place’ in a two-wing structure. Just as it is important to take part in those organs, both sides must also have influence in making the decisions that the organs will produce. A culture of partnership and federal understanding otherwise cannot develop. ”

“We need a culture of peace and cooperation rather than conflict. Both communities have the right and share in natural gas reserves. We can only reveal and utilize them in the context of cooperation in an environment of peace and solution-building”

He also added that there is a “natural calendar” for the process, saying we need to be able to create the parameters of a solution until July.”