Cyprus update: Progress achieved in reunification talks

Cyprus: Greek Cyprus president, Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriots leader, Mustafa Akinci meet for the first time on Friday June 17 to continue intensified phase of reunification talks since talks were temporary suspended in May.

President Nicos Anastasiades of Greek Cyprus after the meeting on Friday, said that both leaders made progress on the powers of the central government and the constituent states adding that there was sufficient common ground for an agreement on that issue.

“We dealt with the powers of the central government and the constituent states,” he said afterwards. “There has been progress and there is good ground for an agreement.”

The next meeting between the two leaders is scheduled on Tuesday next week where the two leaders will discuss the state’s capacity to sign international treaties and the issue of cooperation agreements between the central state and the constituent states.
The president also talked on the clash over using natural gas to fund the solution.

“Let us not jump the gun,” the president said. “There will be an international campaign to get financial assistance in the event of a solution, to tackle the cost of compensation, the cost of resettlement.”

''The cost of a solution has not been calculated yet. World Bank and International Monetary Fund experts were working to that end''.

“A small part can help tackle the problems we’ll have to tackle with those who opt for compensation as a remedy,” the president said. “It does not mean we will sell natural wealth to pay the obligations of other people. It is clear that Turkey must contribute; we will seek international assistance, not through a donors’ conference but through bilateral contacts.”

Anastasiades also added that the country has already determined how the proceeds from the sale of natural gas would be managed.

“Consequently, there is no need to make unnecessary noise over matters that will be determined if and when there is a solution,” he said.

Source: CyprusMail