Akıncı: “It was very clear who prevented us from reaching a solution, but the reports which followed the negotiations did not express this fact clearly”

On Thursday evening, President Akıncı visited Wood Green, a North London suburb with a prominent Turkish Cypriot community, where he held a conference on seeking sustainable solutions to the Cyprus issue. The event took place as part of the President’s wider scheduled visit to meet and engage with members of the extensive Turkish Cypriot diaspora in the UK.

During his speech, President Akıncı gave a detailed assessment of recent developments on the Cyprus issue, taking the view that neither the United Nations, the European Union nor the United Kingdom had held the TRNC responsible for the failure to reach a settlement during the ongoing negotiations. The President also referred to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ Cyprus report, commenting that it had unfairly placed responsibility for the failed negotiations equally on both sides. “It was very clear who prevented us from reaching a solution, but the reports which followed the negotiations did not express this fact clearly.”

“A very serious shift in mentality is needed on the part of the Greek Cypriot side,” Akıncı continued. “Greek Cypriots have always difficulties in sharing power with us and since 1963, there has been a Greek Cypriot Administration which has usurped an officially recognized state and become the sole proprietor of the Republic of Cyprus.”

Akıncı also stated that the Turkish Cypriot side did not wish to prolong an unsuccessful negotiating process and proposed that any further negotiations must be result-oriented and restricted by deadlines in a comprehensive package format. The President also called upon the UK to reinstate direct flights between the UK and the TRNC.

Emphasising that the TRNC will also participate in international law in an atmosphere where peace and a fair settlement prevail, Akıncı said: “This is not our responsibility alone. This can be brought about through the contributions of others and our good will. I will state unequivocally that we do not intend to give up our fundamental rights and freedoms to achieve this.”

The President further outlined the TRNC’s three priorities, “First is our freedom – we will not be dominated by anyone. Second is our political equality. Third is our security.”

The Conference was followed by a reception where the President also met with representatives of the Turkish Cypriot community and Turkish Cypriot NGOs in the UK.