President Mustafa Akinci, speaking after Wednesday’s intensive session in the Cyprus negotiations has said that “Turkish Cypriots feel safe with Turkey and do not envisage a system of guarantees without the participation of Turkey.”
Akinci announced that the Greek Cypriot side had submitted an informal paper, outlining its ideas for the system of guarantees, but had not quelled Turkish Cypriot fears.
The president said that currently, the two leaders were ‘brainstorming’ with regards to the system of guarantees and security, stressing that Turkey had agreed with some of the proposition which had been discussed.
He said that the Turkish Cypriot side will be ready to discuss the system of guarantees when the time comes, insisting that nobody claims that the treaties of 1960 are relevant today.
Akinci said that Greece and Turkey need to work on the guarantee system, a discussion that will continue in New York, indicating a potential five-party meeting
He acknowledged that there were convergences, albeit fewer than had been anticipated, but was optimistic about being able to announce a positive joint statement with President Nicos Anastasiades on 14th September.
“The desire for finding a solution before the end of 2016 is mutual,” said Akinci, noting that efforts will continue after the UN General Assembly in New York and the tripartite meeting with U.N. General Secretary Ban Ki-moon. He stressed, however, that all sides should be prepared for a five-party meeting in October.
Cyprus Weekly
