President Mustafa Akinci has never wanted a Cyprus solution model other than federation and said that he would prefer to resign rather than go to the table with “loose federation or other solution models”.
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi, this information comes from the leader of the Revival Party (settlers’ party) Erhan Arikli, who witnessed the meeting held at the presidential palace during Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu’s visit on 20 April.
Arikli says that Akinci insisted on federation and said he would resign if any other alternatives for a solution to the Cyprus problem are put on the table. “That night he said that he could resign. If all the sides decide that they will negotiate on loose federation, Akinci will resign, he will become the leader of a party and will act as opposition (party)”, Arikli stated.
He also said that during that meeting held on the night of April 20, 2018, the issue of loose federation and other alternative suggestions for solution were put on the agenda at official level at the meeting held at the presidential palace. Arikli reminded that on that night, members of parliament also participated in the meeting at which Cavusoglu was present.
Arikli said that during the meeting, there was a turning pointing in relations between Akinci and Turkey. It was mooted that “we must discuss the two states solution and confederation”. Akinci replied that he was elected to negotiate for a federation. “I cannot tell the people that elected me that there will be no federation; I will have to resign”, Arikli said.
The leader of the settlers’ party underlined an important detail, writes the paper by saying the following: “Cavusoglu felt offended by the fact that the conversation on that night appeared in the press, prior to his departure from the TRNC and he shared his disappointment in a following visit to the TRNC”.
He went on to say that developments are expected after the forthcoming meeting between the two Cypriot community leaders on Friday.
Kibris Postasi
