Cyprus Talks: The North will not accept any preconditions for Geneva talks: Akinci

Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akıncı on Friday said the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus TRNC will not accept any preconditions from the Greek Cypriot side for Geneva talks.

Akinci made the statement after he was officially informed by Greek Cypriot president, Nicos Anastasiades on Friday of his Administration’s insistence on imposing preconditions to reconvene the Cyprus Conference in Geneva.

According to Akıncı, it was out of the question for the Turkish Cypriot side to accept any preconditions whatsoever.

“As of today, we have been informed that the preconditions are the Greek Cypriot side’s official position. We are in no position to accept any preconditions,” Akinci said in a statement on Friday.

Akinci also noted that Anastasiades had clearly informed them that this position would not change.

“During a statement made last night, the Greek Cypriot leader voiced his position on the matter. He is insisting on preconditions. We are in no position to accept this” he said.

Akinci stated that this adopted position of the Greek Cypriot side was in direct violation of the 11th of February Joint Declaration which clearly states that all issues will be taken up interdependently.

“What Mr. Anastasiades is demanding is completely against the principle of discussing all the issues interdependently as agreed in the 11th of February Joint Declaration. He’s saying let’s first discuss and complete the chapter on Security and Guarantees, and if possible to take out the maps locked in the UN’s vault to complete the chapter on territory…And then we will take a look at what remains. Such an understanding of negotiating is incomprehensible” he said.

According to Akıncı, the Turkish Cypriot side is ready and remained committed to the standing agreement to discuss all the issues interdependently in Geneva and to remain there until an outcome is reached.

“We however do not approve or accept a negotiating process with preconditions” he said.

BRT