Cyprus Talks: ''All issues are interconnected'' - Akinci

Ahead of the week long intensified reunification talks between Greek Cypriot president Nicos Anastasiades and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci in Mont Perelin in Switzerland on Monday, Akinci noted that all of the issues at the negotiating table are interconnected, criticizing the Greek Cypriot side for trying to separate them.

In an interview on Sunday, Akinci said the framework was clear saying that both leaders, would first discuss the four chapters where there were still gaps: governance and power sharing, EU, property and economy.

According to Cyprus Mail, the leaders would negotiate to try and reach an agreement on criteria for territorial adjustments in the second stage and if they agree, it would then be possible to move forward to the third and last phase in Switzerland.

“In order to be able to launch discussion at the third stage on territory and discuss maps in a concise manner, it is necessary to reach an agreement and make clear a definite date of the five-party meeting in which Turkey, Greece and the UK will also participate to discuss and complete the chapter on security and guarantees,” Akinci said.

After determining the date of the five-party meeting, the leaders could simultaneously commence
discussions on maps.

Akinci warned that it was out of question to bring maps to the agenda if a date for a five-party meeting was not determined, even though they reached an agreement on the criteria on the territory issue.

“All chapters are bound to each other for a comprehensive solution,” said Akinci.

Akinci said Anastasiades had unilaterally violated the negotiation agreement by trying to separate the territory issue from the issue of security and guarantees.

“Like it or not all chapters are connected to each other,” he said.

Speaking on the issue of the rotating presidency, which is still outstanding, Akinci noted that if this is not accepted, then the Turkish Cypriots would not approve a possible solution plan.

“Our position on this issue is obvious and clear,” he said.

Source: Cyprus Mail.