Cyprus Talks: Greek Cypriot side had not changed its mindset - Akinci

Turkish Cypriot President, Mustafa Akıncı after his dinner meeting with Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades on Monday evening to exchange views on the possibility of reviving the Cyprus talks said that it was clear that the Greek Cypriot side had not changed its mindset.  

We have no intention to be trapped in the same methods, he said.

Meanwhile, Anastasiades said he would be willing to resume negotiations from the point where they were left in July, 2017 at Crans-Montana.

Akinci said that many lessons had been learned at the Cyprus Conference in Crans-Montana, while Anastasiades stated that the Greek Cypriots are protecting their position in terms of hydrocarbons and a solution.

Akıncı explained that they had “issued the necessary warnings” if the South’s hydrocarbon activities continue.

The only positive message from the meeting and dinner after nine months, is that if the United Nations appoints another special envoy to the island, the leaders would regard this positively.

Akıncı said after the meeting that there was no change in the position of the two sides.

This evening we have identified where we stand. This was a necessary conversation and needed to be done. It was important that it was a clear indicator for the future. Nothing can be as it was”, Akıncı said.

He also emphasised the missed historical opportunity [at Crans-Montana] and pointed to the frustration experienced after two years of intense effort and afterwards.

Nothing can be as it was in the past in the coming phase,” he said.

Yeni Duzen, Kibris Gazetesi