President Mustafa Akıncı stated that both sides in Cyprus should act in a fair and equal manner on the Cyprus issue.

“We should be fair. We should not forget that the other community also has rights. If we do, we will not reach a solution on the island” President Akıncı added.

Akıncı stressed that the period of negotiations lasting until the end of the year is extremely important. If the Greek Cypriot side continues with a logical and realistic approach then it will be possible to reach a settlement on the island, he added.

Akıncı said that now is the time to establish a bi-communal, bi-zonal federal state, “and to gain our communal rights again,” as Turkish Cypriots have been excluded from South Cyprus for 53 years.

“This is a great opportunity. It is possible to establish a civilized, modern system by building a new future based on equality, freedom and security” Akıncı added.