President Akıncı speaks at 21st Eurasian Economic Summit

President Mustafa Akıncı attended the 21^st Eurasian Economic Summit in İstanbul, and referred to the Cyprus issue in his speech at the Summit.

President Akıncı stated that it was possible to make use of hydrocarbon resources surrounding the island, and shared his vision of cooperation and rapprochement with other countries in the region.

“These resources that belong to both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can be transformed through an energy pipeline through Turkey, connecting the Middle East and Europe,” Akıncı said.

President Akıncı stated that the Greek Cypriot administration insists on carrying out unilateral hydrocarbon activities in the region, rather than adopting a logical approach which would make countries in the area strategic partners. He further stated that the Greek Cypriots act as if all of the natural wealth belongs to them.

Akıncı also emphasised that technological developments made collaboration between both sides possible in many other areas in Cyprus, but a narrow-minded approach still persisted. He noted that “It is still not possible to talk on mobile phones between the two halves of the island”.

A decision has been taken on this issue politically, and all the technical requirements are in place, yet telephone connectivity has not been achieved due to the mentality of the Greek Cypriot side, Akıncı stated. Although the infrastructure of sharing electricity has been established, the last step towards making it permanent cannot be taken, due to the reluctance of the Greek Cypriot administration.

“Given that even economically beneficial collaborations are avoided, in areas that will improve the lives of citizens such as telephone and electricity, it is impossible to take collaborative action in other potential areas,” said Akıncı.