Cyprus Talks: Political equality very important for Turkish Cypriot - Akinci

Political equality is not a subject that a retreat can be made from, said Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akıncı in an interview with Greek Cypriot newspaper, Kathimerini Newspaper.

Akinci noted that the Turkish Cypriot side’s political equality has been defined in the UN parameters and added that up until just recently the two sides on the island had been in full agreement on this issue.

The political equality defined in the UN parameters states that it doesn’t foresee the political equality of the two sides in all federal organs and in all federal councils. The two sides’ active participation is fundamental, said Akıncı and added that in some organs they will have equal numbers and in others they won’t be equal.

For example an agreement had been reached that in the foreseen Council of Ministers there will be a ratio of 7 to 4, he said.

In the decision making process the Turkish Cypriot side will have the right to use its vote in two different ways. Either they will use a veto or the two sides will have to use at least one positive vote as agreed during the Talat-Christofias period, said Akıncı.

He explained that the rotating president and the vice president will make decisions together on issues regarding foreign policies, security and defence, Akıncı said that the decisions will be agreed upon via consensus.

If this isn’t accepted then it is not possible to speak of the Turkish Cypriot sides active participation in the decision making process, he added.

Speaking on  the issue of guarantees, Akinci said that whether or not the deep division regarding the issue of guarantees will continue all depended on the Greek Cypriot side’s stance. 

He said that as the leader of the Turkish Cypriot side he wanted a structure that would allow everyone to feel safe and secure in Cyprus. 

He said that if all these problems can be overcome then maybe then discussions regarding the Cyprus negotiations process that are not open ended and within a time frame can begin. 

Akıncı also expressed the view that if an opportunity for a solution arises, it is his duty and responsibility towards the next generation to seize such an opportunity.

Culled from BRT