Cyprus Talks: Anastasiades addressed the nation

My objective is to restore the truth about a proposal, the adoption of which will create the sound prospects, so that we can be optimistic for a positive outcome at the earliest possible opportunity said Greek Cypriot president, Nicos Anastasiades on Tuesday night while addressing the nation following a highly disputed Greek Cypriot National Council meeting, reports the Cyprus Mail.

According to him, he felt “the need to communicate,” with the people, so he could brief them about the proposal he submitted at the negotiating table last week.

During his address Anastasiades expressed his views on the course of the negotiations process and the Geneva Summit and also outlined his latest proposal to convene a new summit in Geneva.

Anastasiades said the first item on the agenda of any Conference for Cyprus should be the thorny issue of security and guarantees.

“And secondly, if and when we reach an agreement, to proceed immediately to the discussion and resolution of the issue of territory,” he added.

The third step, he said, would be to remain in Geneva “for as long as it is necessary to achieve not only substantial progress, but even a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem” and according to him, he has been consistent in terms of everything that had been agreed so far with Akıncı.

“My goal is to restore the truth to a proposal, the adoption of which will create valid prospects so we can look optimistically to a positive outcome as soon as possible” he added.

Anastasiades stated his desire to proceed, through a substantive dialogue and away from any expediency to a solution.”