Cyprus Talks: If Turkish side does not consider Greek Cypriot concerns, Geneva meeting could fail, warns Greek Cypriot president, Anastasiades

Greek Cyprus president Nicos Anastasiades, on Wednesday warned that if the Turkish Cypriot side insists on positions that seek to control the new state of affairs and the evolution of the Republic of Cyprus, then the possibility for a Cyprus settlement will not exist.

Both sides has agreed to hold a meeting in Geneva from January 9-11, 2017, which will be followed by a multilateral conference on January 12 with the guarantor powers, Greece, Turkey and the UK as well as other relevant parties in attendance. 
Anastasiades who was speaking during a Christmas lunch for presidential palace staff said if the Turkish side understands how the EU and other modern states operates, then the Geneva conference on Cyprus could deliver results.

“If the other side shows the appropriate intention to achieve a solution, then you can be sure that wishes will come true,” Anastasiades said.

 “If the other side continues to act in a way that disregard the Greek Cypriot concerns, we will be in a difficult position to say that we could reach a solution,” he added.

According to Cyprus Mail, Anastasiades noted that if the Turkish Cypriot side sets issues considered as red lines, it should be aware that the Greek Cypriot side has concerns that should be addressed as well.

“And we, both communities, have every reason on the basis of Republic of Cyprus` capacity as an EU member-state to see how the EU works, to see how modern states work and not let fears of the past and sins of the past weigh upon us, to see how we create the conditions and prospects to live peacefully to create a modern state away from dependencies so that the new generations could hope for prosperity and prospect,” he said.

“If this is understood by our compatriots and by Turkey, I believe Geneva could deliver,”

“However if they insist on positions that seek to control the new state of affairs, the evolution of the Republic of Cyprus, then I regret to say the prospect which all look forward does not exist.”

“We are determined and ready for the dialogue.” “But we are not willing to accept any solution nor to watch intransigent and unacceptable positions for an EU member state. Outdated perceptions, institutions or measures taken in the past have no place in a well-organised member state of the EU” Anastasiades said.

Both leaders are scheduled to meet on Thursday.

Source: Cyprus Mail