Cyprus Talks: Akinci urges both sides to abstain from imposing their position on the other side.”

Turkish Republic of North Cyprus TRNC President, Mustafa Akinci has urged both sides of the divided island to abstain from imposing their position on the other side.” 

Akinci said this when he was addressing journalists following his meeting with Greek Cypriot president, Nicos Anastasiades on Thursday.
 
Akinci who noted that the meeting was held in a positive atmosphere, expressed hope that a comprehensive solution will be reached as a result of the upcoming Geneva talks.

Speaking on the issue of security and guarantees, Akinci noted that the two sides did have different positions on the issues, but stressed that it was important that an issue which constituted security for one side should not become an issue of threat for the other side.

“We do not want our security to be put at risk. We do not want this for the other community either. What’s needed to be done is to negotiate with reason and to abstain from imposing one side’s position on the other side”, he said.

Speaking on claims that the Greek Cypriot side is preparing to launch new natural gas exploration efforts, Akinci said that wealth to be derived from the Cyprus hydrocarbons belonged to both peoples on the island.

“Our expectation is that the natural gas issue will not cause any trouble before this critical summit”, Akinci said, urging everyone to act with common sense.

Akinci said the two leaders will continue to meet ahead of the Cyprus summit scheduled to take place in Geneva on 9^th January.

BRT