Cyprus Talks: Turkish Cypriot will continue on their way if talks fails - Mustafa Akinci

Turkish Cypriot president, Mustafa Akinci has warned that the intention of the Greek Cypriot side to launch new test drilling for hydrocarbons on the Cyprus offshore in July, could lead to new tensions in the area.


Akinci made the statement which was released by his on Friday while addressing a meeting at Istanbul University. According him, the hydrocarbons drilling planned for July could cause tensions adding that the Turkish Cypriots had on every occasion said, that energy resources should become a reason for cooperation and not for tension.

Speaking on a solution thus far, he said a federal solution would favour everyone. noting that for a solution to be possible, the mentality of the Greek Cypriot side should change, as it “faces difficulties” on the issue of power sharing.

He also stated that creating a confederation or a unitary state is easier than establishing a federation. 

“Even though it is difficult, we are exerting efforts for a federal solution, which is the only one that could be accepted by all sides concerned and we will continue our constructive stance with our entire good will during this short period of time that exists until July“.

Speaking on the way forward if talks failed, Akinci said;

“If this negotiating process does not succeed for reasons which are not due to us, the Turkish Cypriots will continue our way as TRNC with our identity as a democratic and secular society. Just as we do not want to become a province, Turkey does not need a new province“.

Vatan