Cyprus Talks: ''If both sides engage with mutual respect, solution can be found''- Anastasiades

Cyprus: Speaking in an intervention at the 2016 Concordia Summit, in partnership with the Atlantic Council, in New York, on Monday, Greek Cypriot president Nicos Anastasiades said if both sides of the divided Cyprus island engage constructively and with respect for each side’s sensitivities they could reach a settlement as soon as possible, even within 2016, despite this being an ambitious goal.

“We could resolve our outstanding differences with our guiding doctrine being the need to be well-prepared, and present to the people a clear plan, with no constructive ambiguities and no deficiencies that will jeopardise its implementation,” he said.

Anastasiades noted that a solution to the Cyprus problem could become a paradigm of how the adoption of a reconciliatory stance could contribute to the resolution of difficult international issues.

“We are cautiously optimistic that conditions may soon prevail that will enable us to reach a comprehensive settlement,” he said.

Anastasiades stated his aim and optimism for the settlement;

“My aim remains simple and clear: To end the unacceptable status quo and reach a functional and comprehensive settlement, one that will enhance even further Cyprus’s regional role, and which will contribute to the stability and prosperity of the region.”

Speaking concerning the just concluded intensive phase of negotiations with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci that ended on September 14, Anastasiades said;

“Despite the important progress achieved on the Chapters of governance, European Union, economy, property there are still a considerable number of issues on which there are divergences.”

Anastasiades assured that he is determined to continue “working tirelessly and with the same intensified pace” in order to reach a settlement as soon as possible, even within 2016 “despite the fact that this is an ambitious goal”.

Based on his conviction, Anastasiades said, that if both sides engaged constructively and with respect to each side’s sensitivities, “then we could resolve our outstanding differences with our guiding doctrine being the need to be well-prepared, and present to the people a clear plan, with no constructive ambiguities and no deficiencies that will jeopardise its implementation”.

In this regard Anastasiades said Turkey’s contribution in concrete terms was vital.

Cyprus is also hoping that its partners and friends, including the United States, communicate to Ankara the value of a constructive approach, particularly on the critical issues that will determine the final outcome of the intensive phase.

Anastasiades said a solution to the Cyprus issue could become a paradigm of how the adoption of a reconciliatory stance could contribute to the resolution of difficult international issues, prevail over mistrust and serve as an example of peaceful coexistence between different communities, and this would be in the best interest for Europe and its future.
Source: Cyprus Mail