Anastasiades and Akinci announce Cyprus Issue talks at Mont Pelerin

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, on Wednesday evening, agreed to continue their Cyprus Problem talks in Mont Pelerin, Switzerland from November 7 to 11.

According to an official press release issued by the UN after the two leaders’ talks, UN Special Advisor on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide will also attend the meetings held on foreign soil.

“The meeting will concentrate on the chapter of territory as well as all other outstanding issues interdependently,” read the press release.

“The leaders expressed their hope that their meeting in Switzerland will pave the way for the last phase of the talks in line with their shared commitment to do their utmost in order to reach a settlement within 2016,” it continued.

“Since the leaders have completed their discussions in advance of the meeting in Switzerland, they have instructed the negotiators to meet instead of their own planned meeting on October 31.”

GRATITUDE TO SWISS GOVERNMENT

The UN press release added: “The two leaders wish to express their gratitude to the Government of Switzerland for its generosity in offering to host this event.

“The leaders will be accompanied in Switzerland by their negotiating teams and relevant subject matter experts.” 

A tweet posted by Anastasiades, added: "A long, but in a friendly atmosphere, this evening's meeting with Akinci. In Switzerland at Mont Pelerin we will debate on the territory issue."

ANASTASIADES CAUTIOUS WITH MEDIA

Anastasiades, speaking to journalists upon his return to the Presidential Palace following Wednesday night’s meeting, said: "I don’t think public announcements and many statements help,” after he was asked to give further details not mentioned within the UN press release.

When questioned on Akinci’s statement earlier on Wednesday that he should decide whether he wishes to become the leader of a reunified Cyprus or whether he would negotiate while keeping an eye on future elections, Anastasiades replied, “I have not heard that comment,” reported CNA English.

The President added: “I have proven that all I am interested in is to see my country reunified and free from the occupation army.

"I have never taken into consideration presidential or any other elections. I have proven this, and it should not be questioned by Akinci, when in 2004 I dared, swimming against the current, to support the then UN proposed solution plan.”

In a tweet posted by Anastasiades added: "A long, but in a friendly atmosphere, this evening's meeting with Akinci. In Switzerland at Mont Pelerin we will debate on the territory issue."

“DON’T QUESTION MY MOTIVES”

Anastasiades further underlined: "I do not accept that Akinci or anyone else should question my motives."

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and illegally occupied its northern third.

UN-led talks resumed in May 2015 aiming to reunify the island under a federal roof.

Read more here.

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