Cyprus Talks: Turkish Cypriot side had no desire of being part of a new round of never-ending and open-ended talks - Akinci
He also noted that the upcoming visit of UN Special Envoy Jane Holl Lute to the island is not, as the Greek Cypriot side is trying to create the image of, the start of a new negotiations process, but purely aimed at consulting with the two sides about the potential of new talks.
According to Akıncı, Lute was not appointed as a replacement to the former UN Secretary General’s Special Advisor Espen Barth Eide.
She is merely a temporary envoy who will be meeting with both sides with the aim of probing the potential of the resumption of the talks.
Speaking to reporters following his meeting yesterday with the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative Elizabeth Spehar, President Mustafa Akıncı said that the Greek Cypriot side from time to time was attempting to create the image that the assignment of the UN Special Envoy will become the start of a new negotiations process.
He said that Lute was expected to prepare a report to the UN Secretary General following her consultations with all parties to the Conference on Cyprus.
The President also said that his meeting with the UN Envoy will most probably take place in the week beginning with the 23rd of July.
We have stated that we are ready to meet with her if she wishes to come in July he said.
Akıncı added that the Turkish Cypriot side had no desire of being part of a new round of never-ending and open-ended talks.
We no longer desire or have the intention of becoming part of an endless round of talks that keep going on and on as they have for the past 50 years. I have explained this time and time again and would like to do so one more time. We support the idea of achieving final results from any process that we shall take part in. I continue to maintain my position and insistence on results-orientated talks that will be held within a time frame and on the basis of an understanding of a strategic package.
Underlining the need for the Greek Cypriot side to accept and embrace the concept of political equality, Akıncı said that should a settlement be reached on the island, it will not be one on the basis of a unitary state in which a majority will impose its will on a minority.
He said that what has been agreed upon and aimed is a federal settlement on the basis of the political equality of the two sides.
Also touching upon the issue of security, the Akinci repeated that the security of one side should not pose a threat to the security of the other.
He however pointed out that the concept of ‘zero troops and zero guarantees’ did not address the Turkish Cypriots security needs.
This position or view does not comfort Turkish Cypriots. It is time we deal with these issues on a realistic basis. We need to be reasonable and realistic Akıncı added.
The President said that he will be explaining to the UN Envoy how the Turkish Cypriot side thinks and added that a new short process with the participation of the guarantor countries could be if a similar willingness emerged on the Greek Cypriot side.
I do not want to raise anyone’s hopes right now but I also do not want to draw a grim picture and say that nothing will happen he said.
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