Greek Cypriot side should face the facts” - Akinci

President of the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus, Mustafa Akinci has stated that mutual trust is the basis to establish a partnership state, in Cyprus adding that equal participation of both sides for the decisions to be taken in a possible partnership is also the basis, and called on the Greek Cypriot side to face the facts.

In his speech at an event on Tuesday, Akıncı mentioned the opening of Aplıç gate and said that the people of the region had struggled since 2004 and they have made great efforts for the last three years regarding the issue.

Furthermore, reminding that as well as the decision for opening the gates, they had also taken a decision for GSM inter-operability on both sides three years ago, the President said that although the Turkish Cypriot side is ready technically, they could not progress on the issue, and this situation is not acceptable.

On the issue of a ‘loose federation’, Akıncı said that an expression of ‘loose federation’ is getting around and pointed out that he discussed this issue at his meeting with the Greek Cypriot leader and Anastasiades expressed that it is not a ‘loose federation’ which he demands but transferring more power from the central government to the wings. 

If you ask me, I think it does not differ from ‘loose federation’, only the name is different, Akıncı said.

Mr. Anastasiades did not provide any specific details on the issue of authorities, he added.