Anastasiades: Akinci comments vindicate Greek Cypriot side

President Nicos Anastasiades said on Thursday that comments made by former Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci on the potential annexation of the north vindicate the Greek Cypriot’s version of events in Crans-Montana.

Anastasiades’ comments came a day after Akinci was reported by Yeni Duzen as saying that Turkey has the annexation of the north on its agenda.

Akinci also warned that the north is becoming increasingly dependent on Turkey, seemingly warning of the consequences of the ongoing impasse of the Cyprus problem.

For his part, Anastasiades said that Akinci’s comments are “revealing” of Turkey’s long-term aims but also of the reasoning behind the collapse of the talks at Crans-Montana.

Anastasiades said that Akinci’s comments refute the claims that the Greek Cypriots were to blame for the collapse of the talks in 2017.

“I would like to reiterate my determination and the political will to assist the general-secretary of the UN to resume the talks, but not on the basis of the requirements demanded by [Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin] Tatar or Turkey,” Anastasiades said.

“It is possible to have a new round of talks on the basis of common ground, as determined by the High Level Agreements and the UN resolutions which also determine the secretary-general`s mandate.”
Akinci, who was ousted in elections last October and replaced by Tatar, said the north was increasingly dependent on Turkey – a country which he said is becoming more authoritarian.

He said that the Justice and Development Party (AKP), which has been in power since 2003, is straying from the democratic process – despite a positive beginning, such as seeking a solution on the Cyprus problem.