Deputy Cyprus Government Spokesperson Victoras Papadopoulos has waved away reports that the Cyprus peace talks have hit a dead end.
Read more below:
Speaking to state radio on Wednesday morning, Papadopoulos responded to claims from some circles within the Turkish Cypriot community that there has been a total breakdown in the talks between Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci.
Some reports also claim that the Greek Cypriot side is now pondering partition as the only viable means for a solution.
“There are many difficulties due to immovable stance and the terms and conditions being tabled by the Turkish side,” said Papadopoulos.
“The President is hopeful and willing to work with Mr. Akinci to try and overcome those differences. The chief negotiators met last night (Tuesday) ahead of the next scheduled meeting between the two leaders. The meeting was held in good spirits and the two sides touched on issues concerning governance, EU matters and funding for a possible solution.”
Hopes for a settlement to the Cyprus problem have been hit recently by a number of incidents which have resulted in the improved relations between the two communities cooling.
The Enosis day bill controversy at the Greek Cypriot parliament had first threatened to derail the talks before Turkey began issuing threats after the Republic of Cyprus government signed new gas exploration deals within its Exclusive Economic Zone with several major energy firms.
The Turkish Cypriot side was also slammed for not allowing a Greek Orthodox church mass to take place in the town of Famagusta.
Also speaking on state radio was opposition party Akel leader Andros Kyprianou who also said that the talks were at a very fragile stage due to the souring of relations between Anastasiades and Akinci of late.
“The President himself has told us of the difficulties. My party had raised its concerns about where the talks were heading some time ago but we were being ignored.”
1 comment:
wow happy for cyprus
Post a Comment