Akıncı: Cyprus negotiations are ongoing but the new Guarantee system must also include Turkey

President Mustafa Akıncı stated that establishing a system of guarantees which excludes Turkey and expecting the Turkish Cypriots to accept such a system is not possible.

President Akıncı outlined his concerns in a statement to the press following his meeting with the Greek Cypriot Leader Nikos Anastasiades as part of the second round of intensified Cyprus negotiations.

The President also stated that they have agreed with the Greek Cypriot Leader not to make any public statements regarding the negotiations until 14 September. ‘‘We agreed to make a joint press statement on 14 September and announce our meeting with the Secretary General of the EU which will be held on 24 September. Unfortunately the Greek side did not abide by the agreement’’.

“Despite our agreement, Anastasiades unilaterally announced the meeting. This kind of behaviour will not benefit the negotiation process.”

“We have nothing to hide. We simply want to abide by the agreement – this was the only reason for not holding a press conference after the last meeting.”

 “I hope we will have an opportunity to make a statement on 14 September to evaluate the latest stage of the negotiations in a positive way. There are some convergences and positive developments in the negotiation process. There is a common aim. I believe that both sides understand the importance of reaching a solution before the end of 2016.”

President Akıncı also outlined that both sides need to work hard in October and make good use of their time in order to find a solution in 2016.

“Of course we will continue the negotiations in Cyprus after the meeting in New York. All parties should be willing to hold a multilateral meeting before the end of October.”

Akıncı added that all chapters have to be taken up one-by-one, and that the Security and Guarantees chapter is yet to be discussed in detail.