Cyprus Update: ‘Significant progress made on executive and judiciary issues’ – President Anastasiades

Cyprus: Speaking after meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, in the ongoing negotiations for a settlement on the Cyprus problem on Friday, Greek Cypriot president Nicos Anastasiades said very little, or none at all, remains to be decided on the legislative and judiciary issues as major progress has also been made on the executive, with some issues remaining open, including the issue of the presidency rotation.


Anastasiades said

“significant progress” has been achieved on legislative and judiciary issues, for which “very little or none at all” remain to be agreed.

“As regards the executive, there has also been substantial progress, with a few remaining issues, which are considered significant, including the rotating presidency,” he said.

“I believe that discussion on the legislative can be considered concluded, and so can discussion on the legislative.”

Anastasiades said, while differences exists over the principle of rotating the presidency  which Akinci favours but rejected by the Greek Cypriot side with the “favored solution” established as a presidential system, which “offers stability”.
Anastasiades said that negotiation will now move ahead to more important issues, including security, before the end of July.

“What will be discussed on the 29th [of July], not in detail but at least in an exchange of views, also includes matters of security,” he said.

“Discussion might not include names, etc., but, in any case, certain parametres within which negotiations to reach agreement will be set. Our position remains unchanged, that there can be no guarantees, nor any arrangements that allow a third country to interfere with Cyprus’ domestic affairs. With regard to territory, broad views will be exchanged, with detailed decisions to be made at the final stage.”

On the issue of if the failed coup attempt in Turkey last week will hinder the ongoing talks in any way, Anastasiades said he discussed the topic in a private meeting with Akinci.

“We must not link the coup and Turkey’s internal affairs with what happens in Cyprus – without ignoring the possibility of new developments,” he said.

“But what I want to say is this, progress is being made, but at the same time I must admit that difficulties remain. In any case, what I can see is both sides’ willingness and determination to overcome any problems.”

Source: Cyprus mail