President Mustafa Akinci’s proposal of forming a bi-communal committee on hydrcarbon exploration offshore Cyprus has been rejected by the Greek Cypriot political party leaders.
Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades presented Akinci’s proposal to party leaders today. After a three-hour meeting in Limassol, Undersecretary to the President Vassilis Palmas read a joint statement from party leaders saying the proposal from Akinci could not be accepted “as it distracts from the essence of the Cyprus problem and the need for immediate resumption of substantive negotiations with a view, if there is sufficient will from all concerned, to achieve a sustainable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of United Nations resolutions, and the principles and values of the European Union”.
“Moreover, the proposal of Mr Akinci contains provisions that do not serve the best interests of the Republic of Cyprus and the Cypriot people as a whole,” the statement added.
At the same time, the party leaders authorised Anastasiades to answer the Turkish Cypriot leader in writing and to send the answer to the recipients of Akinci’s proposals such as the UN Secretary-General and the EU leadership.
“This statement is unanimous,” said Palmas, adding that each party leader would also give their own views.
Cyprus Mail
