A delegation from AKEL visited the offices of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) in northern Nicosia on Friday, with AKEL secretary-general Stefanos Stefanou saying after the meeting that the two sides had agreed “to intensify work in joint working groups, especially the working group on the Cyprus issue”.
Stefanou described the CTP as “a party with which we have a historic and traditional cooperation”, adding that their joint effort remained focused on achieving a settlement “on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as described in the relevant United Nations resolutions”.
Breaking the deadlock
He said the two sides had reviewed developments since 2017 and the collapse of the Crans-Montana Conference, expressing the shared view that the current situation was adding to the difficulties surrounding prospects for a settlement.
The two parties also reiterated their aim “to break the deadlock” and “to continue negotiations from where they were interrupted”.
Referring to the working groups, Stefanou said the objective was “to continue and intensify the specific discussions we are having on aspects of the Cyprus issue”, while also making use of “tools, incentives” and the “current timing” to support efforts to restart negotiations.
He added that the joint effort to inform both communities would continue, stressing that “it is very important for Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to have knowledge” of both the basis and the substance of a possible settlement.
The AKEL delegation included Stefanos Stefanou, Stavri Kalopsidiotou, head of the Cyprus issue department, Elias Demetriou, head of the rapprochement office, and former negotiator Toumazos Tselepis.
Keeping all parties happy
Meanwhile, Sila Usar Incirli, president of the Republican Turkish Party, said the current status quo on the Cyprus issue could not continue, while also referring to the importance of relations with Turkey based on mutual respect and institutional cooperation.
Speaking during an online programme on Haber Kıbrıs, Incirli said the unresolved Cyprus issue affected both Turkish Cypriots and Turkey politically, economically and socially.
She added that the process should move forward through mutual trust and direct communication with Turkey, noting that the contacts of Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman demonstrated the importance of such an approach.
Commenting on domestic developments, Incirli spoke of growing public demand for change, saying the CTP was preparing through participatory initiatives and consultations.
On the issue of elections, she said no date had yet been set and expressed reservations about the possibility of holding local and parliamentary elections simultaneously because of potential administrative difficulties.
Regarding the economy, she said public finances were under pressure, with short-term debt exceeding 21 billion Turkish lira and monthly deficits surpassing 3 billion lira, adding that the CTP was preparing proposals to address the situation.
CNA
