Gap between two sides ‘can be bridged’ says President

Answers can be found to the differences between the two sides at the negotiating table to the benefit of not only Greek and Turkish Cypriots, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Saturday in an interview with Greek daily Ta Nea.

He added that he was ready to respond an invitation to meet the UN secretary-general, which would potentially “pave the way for the resumption of talks” on the Cyprus problem.

In the interview, Christodoulides said that, despite the pessimism arising from Turkey’s statements on two states, he would do “everything possible to achieve a positive outcome.

“I truly believe that in the framework of negotiations, utilising the negotiating acquis so far and furthermore taking into consideration the fact that the EU can give answers to any concerns of the Turkish Cypriot community, I will do everything possible to achieve a positive outcome,” he said.

The president believes that the UN chief is encouraged by his clear political will and his commitment to the agreed framework.

He also believes that the gap between the two sides can be bridged.

“I say this because I am well aware of the differences at the negotiating table, differences for which, I repeat, solutions can be found,” he said.

These solutions “will be satisfactory not only for the Greek Cypriots or only the Turkish Cypriots, but answers that will be positive and effective for the whole of the people of Cyprus within the EU.

“The capacity of the Republic of Cyprus as a member state, which will continue to apply after a solution of the Cyprus problem too, is the best safety valve and answers all the concerns expressed at the negotiating table,” the president said.

Asked about Nicosia’s red lines, Christodoulides said they had to do with issues such as foreign troops and third country guarantors of an EU member state.

“These cannot be accepted,” he said.

Referring to relations between Nicosia and Athens, he said “there have been cases in which we had different opinions,” which were “solved through talks.”

The president said he did not approve of past practices, when press releases spoke of full agreement while “we just swept things under the carpet.”

He also said he was encouraged by efforts to improve Greco-Turkish relations, which allowed Nicosia to send messages to Ankara via Athens.

“It is a positive development in the direction of solving the Cyprus problem,” he added.