TRNC News - Akinci: Solving Cyprus problem will contribute to regional cooperation

Akıncı: “Solving Cyprus problem will also contribute to regional cooperation”

President Mustafa Akıncı said that a fair and federal solution to the Cyprus issue would not only allow for the two communities of the island to reach a peaceful and prosperous future but also would allow for a regional cooperation to be reached.

In his opening speech at the 19th Eurasian Economic Summit organized by the Marmara Group Strategic and Social Research Foundation, Akıncı emphasized that in the event of a solution in the Cyprus problem natural gas resources in the Eastern Mediterranean will provide mutual benefit instead of crisis. Akıncı also mentioned that new cooperation opportunities will arise between Cyprus, Turkey and Greece.

Akıncı met with Gül and Türkeş

President Mustafa Akıncı met with 11th President of Turkey Abdullah Gül in İstanbul and he also held a meeting with the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Responsible for Cyprus Affairs Tuğrul Türkeş.

During his meetings at the 19th Eurasian Economic Summit, Akıncı evaluated the latest developments in the Cyprus negotiations and discussed the Economic Protocol as well.

Moreover, President Mustafa Akıncı mentioned that Türkeş expressed his annoyance to him regarding the association of the subversion and establishment of the government in the TRNC with the Turkish government. Thereupon, Akıncı stated that Turkey’s government prefer a government model which will contribute to the President and will not cause problems in the negotiations.

Türkeş: “Turkey aims to form a self-sufficient state structure in the TRNC”

Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey Yıldırım Tuğrul Türkeş said, “With the economic supports, Turkey aims to form a self-sufficient and steady state structure, consistent with global conditions, competitive and sustainable economic system in the TRNC. We are aware of the importance of the negotiation process for the TRNC. I would like to confirm one more time that our government will continue to support the Turkish Cypriot people under any circumstances.”

Attending the “Silk Road Economy, Energy, Forced Migration and Terrorism’’ session at the 19th Eurasian Economic Summit, Türkeş pointed out the importance of the special relationship between Turkey and the TRNC.

Türkeş also emphasized that they are ready to provide all kinds of financial, economic and social support to the TRNC separately from the ongoing negotiation process.

Karbuz: “There was no need for such a tender which strains the atmosphere while the negotiations are continuing well”

Stating that the single-sided decision of the Greek Cypriot administration regarding the 3rd round licence tender for the gas fields by South Cyprus is an effort to pull Russian energy companies to the region, Mediterranean Countries Energy Companies Association (OME) Hydrocarbons Director Dr. Sohbet Karbuz said, “The Greek Cypriots intend to boost the Russians up in the Mediterranean. However, such a tender which strains the atmosphere while the Cyprus talks are continuing well, is unnecessary.”

Karbuz also evaluated the Greek Cypriot administration’s tendering on the 6th, 8th and 10th parcels as a “diplomatic mistake”.

AKEL- DIKO opposition

AKEL strongly reacted to the position of DIKO on the side of the government against the statements of AKEL Secretary General Andros Kiprianu that the 3rd round licence tender for the parcels on the South Cyprus’ so-called “Exclusive Economic Zone (MEB)” was for election purposes.

DIKO Spokesperson Hristiana Erotokritu stated that DIKO approved the 3rd round licence tender and condemned the reactions, especially AKEL’s reactions, on this issue.

Making a written statement on behalf of AKEL, Stefanos Stefanu emphasized one more time that the statements of the AKEL Secretary General Andros Kiprianu were distorted.

Stefanu added that what Kiprianu criticised was that the sovereignty rights of the so-called “Republic of Cyprus” were used for election purposes.