Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides has said that Cyprus talks have entered into sensitive time, adding that neither overenthusiasm nor disappointment is justified.
In statements to CNA, Christodoulides noted that during their meeting, on Monday, President Anastasiades mentioned to Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci that Akinci made statements about permanent derogation from the acquis communautaire and guaranteed majorities. President Anastasiades said in response the need for fundamental freedoms, human rights and the acquis communautaire in general, and that such a development would be to the benefit of all the people of Cyprus, since both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots cannot live as second-class EU citizens in their own country.
The aforementioned highlights a discussion that demonstrates disagreements and different approaches on the Cyrpus dispute.
Despite this, the spokesman noted that during their meeting Anastasiades and Akinci had an open and sincere dialogue, which continued over dinner. Discussions between negotiators on both sides; Andreas Mavroyiannis and Ozdil Nami, will continue until the leaders’ next meeting, scheduled to take place on October 30th.
Asked about the issue of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), Christodoulides said that the two leaders reviewed the situation regarding this issue “and we hope that announcements will be made soon towards the implementation of those that have been agreed on by the leaders”. The agreed CBMs, announced earlier this year, include the opening of crossing points, looking into the interconnection of electricity grids and the interchangeability of mobile telephones.
Responding to another question, Christodoulides confirmed that Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias will pay a visit to Cyprus October 26-27, during which he will hold meetings with political leadership.
Anastasiades and Akinci have been engaged since May this year in UN-led talks, aiming to solve the Cyprus dispute.
Cyprus has been divided since the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974.
(Source: CNA)
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