Cyprus update: Greek and Turkish Cypriots have will to overcome differences, Anastasiades says

Cyprus: Greek Cypriot president Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci meet on Friday in Nicosia in continuation of the ongoing intensified talks for a Cyprus settlement as both leaders reaffirmed their will to overcome their differences through dialogue with issues over territory and post reunification security yet to be resolved.


The leaders of the divided Cyprus island Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities on Friday reaffirmed their differences over territory and post-reunification security but also the will to overcome them through dialogue.

Speaking after Friday's meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, Greek Cypriot president Nicos Anastasiades said;

“The differences were identified, but also the will to overcome them through  creative dialogue,”

Friday’s meeting where the two leaders discussed the sticking points of territory, security, and guarantees was the last meeting before a summer break will be revisited during the eight meetings scheduled after the summer break.

“Of course, this will show in the end; it was the first meeting, I wouldn’t say the first dealing with the matter because views had been exchanged at times but the first that dealt with the matter in-depth,” Anastasiades said.

Anastasiades claimed that there was still some way to go in the negotiations but reaffirmed that the two sides had the will to address the issues that raised concerns in both communities but refused to speak on the details, stressing that it could affect the ongoing talks.

“We are talking about a very sensitive issue for both sides and we have said that special attention will be observed on what everyone is saying,” Anastasiades added.

Anastasiades acknowledged that the difference between the two sides could be resolved to its minimum through negations and a “creative effort to overcome problems, issues, and potential threats.”

According to reports, the Greek Cypriots side want to jettison the existing system of guarantees, with which Turkey invade the island.
Also as part of the solution, they also want the Turkish military to quit the island.
Greece, also a guarantor power, accepts that the system of guarantees should be abandoned.

The Greek Cypriot side accepts the gradual removal of the Turkish troops from the Turkish Cypriot side.
Source: Cyprus Mail