Akıncı: “Turkish Cypriots are the main actors of the Cyprus talks”

Pointing out that a situation is out of question where the Turkish Cypriots and its elected leader are beside the point Akıncı said, “Neither Turkey makes such a mistake, nor such a situation adopted by the Turkish Cypriot people. The main actors of the Cyprus talks are the Turkish Cypriots. Of course we will consult with Turkey, but the will belongs to the Turkish Cypriots.”

Speaking at the 2nd Cyprus Economic Forum, President Mustafa Akıncı criticized some news noted in the press recently that “Turkish Cypriots are no longer part of the negotiations” and said that such news is not true. Indicating that progression has been reached on 4 main chapters regarding the negotiations, Akıncı said 2 of the 4 chapters are related to the economy.

Sending a video message to the Summit, the UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide in his speech stated that after taking office it was decided to discuss the economic aspect of the solution in Cyprus and added that President Mustafa Akıncı and the Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades empowered himself to make contacts with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Stating that they received unprecedented support from these two institutions, Eide said they have international support which is pleasing. Eide also stated that he is pleased to see the close cooperation between the international organizations and experts in Cyprus.  Furthermore, indicating that the support from the European Commission and the European Central Bank is satisfactory, Eide said that while these organizations are making preparations for the implementation of the EU acquis in the whole island, at the same time they are making studies on the role of the Euro.