Aleem Siddique, Spokesperson for the UN’s Cyprus Peacekeeping Force (UNFICYP) has expressed hope that the “two communities on the island continue to engage constructively” as they address key issues on the Cyprus Problem.
When questioned by CNA English on preparations for next week’s talks between Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, Siddique outlined that they are “ongoing”.
Anastasiades and Akinci are set to meet on Tuesday, August 29 and 31 and on September 2, 6, 8 and 14.
In their last meeting on July 29, Anastasiades and Akinci discussed territory and guarantees, two sensitive issues which have not been discussed officially at the negotiating table for 12 years.
AKINCI’S TURKEY VISIT
It will also be their first meeting following Akinci’s visit to Turkey this week where he met with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and President Tayyip Erdogan.
During a joint press conference with Erdogan, Akinci stated: “”Feeling Turkey’s supports gives us power. We will continue our way with your support.
“I hope we can achieve an agreement that includes three fundamental elements: equality, freedom and security.”
TURKEY ‘SWEATING’
Erdogan added: “Turkey wants a permanent and fair solution in the long-standing Cyprus issue.”
The Turkish President further stated that “Turkey [has] sweated and continues to sweat every effort to find a fair and permanent solution to the Cyprus issue.”
Erdogan referred to “efforts [aiming] to establish a partnership with two equal communities that can live on the island, within the scope of UN parameters.”
It is “obligatory” for Turkey to solve the Cyprus Problem by providing “political equality” for the Turkish Cypriot side and providing security and rights of the people, he added.
“Resolving the issue will contribute to the region’s security, stability and prosperity,” concluded Erdogan.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and illegally occupied its northern third. The ongoing UN-led talks resumed in May 2015, aiming to reunify the island under a federal roof.
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