Turkey can have no role in the Republic of Cyprus after a solution to the Cyprus problem, Nicosia has stated following the Turkish Cypriot insistence on the guarantee issue.
Government spokesperson Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday that the goal of the negotiations to settle the Cyprus problem is to end the occupation and have Turkey leave the island.
On Radio Proto’s Proti Ekpompi, Christodoulides mentioned the meeting that was held on Friday between President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, in which the two discussed the issues of security and territory. Christodoulides added that all six chapters of the Cyprus discussions are important for the Greek Cypriot side, but the security and territory chapters will be the deciding factor into how the process continues.
He said that at Friday’s meeting there was a general exchange of opinions, without any other substantial agreement, aside from the general opinions.
Regarding the territory issue, the government spokesperson said that before a discussion can start on the maps and the names, the criteria must be discussed, which will be aid the solution of the property issue. He added that they will discuss criteria for specific maps after that issue is solved.
Christodoulides mentioned that the property issue cannot be closed on without an agreement on the territory issue.
He also added that if a decision was agreed between both sides then it would aid the studies of the IMF and the World Bank.
Concerning the studies, Christodoulides said that these are not related to the property issue but rather to the general sustainability of the issue following a solution of the Cyprus problem.
Importance of the National Council
Christodoulides said that the meeting of the National Council, which happened on Saturday, was to inform the political party leaders of the intensified phase of negotiations in July.
He added that the meeting had been constructive and productive, despite the disagreement on certain issues.
No documents were given to the parties, he said, adding that they can go to the Presidential Palace to review the documents, and formulate new ideas and recommendations for the next meeting after the summer holidays.
On the substance of the negotiations, Christodoulides said that President Anastasiades is ready to hear the opinions of the parties.
Christodoulides said that the National Council has always functioned as an advisory body towards all the Presidents of the Republic.
Regarding the confidentiality issue, Christodoulides mentioned that there is no way to secure the confidentiality, which is why each member must hold themselves responsible.
“President Anastasiades wants the body to function more than any other member, and that is why he has accepted many of the recommendations of the parties,” Christodoulides said.
Asked what would happen if DIKO and EDEK decided to not take part in the National Council, Christodoulides said that the National Council would continue to function with all parties interested in taking part. He added that such a development would be wrong and the hope is that they would not come to such a decision.
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