Akıncı receives Garber

President Mustafa Akıncı received the newly appointed US Ambassador to Lefkoşa, Judith Gail Garber, who began her duty in Cyprus on the 18th of March 2019. During the visit President Mustafa Akıncı informed the US Ambassador about the essence of the Cyprus issue and the efforts made by the Turkish Cypriot side with the hope of reaching a solution. The President added that the Greek Cypriot side’s rejection of the Turkish Cypriot side’s political equality was creating a serious obstacle in the negotiations process.

The President also spoke about the hydrocarbon resources in the Eastern Mediterranean by saying that the vision for the hydrocarbon resources should be aimed at protecting regional peace and security. Explaining that some years ago European Union membership should have been an encouraging factor for a solution in Cyprus, however that did not materialise and it was a great mistake. Noting that a similar mistake is taking place now on the hydrocarbon issue, President Akıncı said that instead of encouraging the sides towards cooperation, the international community is encouraging the Greek Cypriot side to take unilateral steps and this is not assisting in the solution process on the island.