Anastasiades: Progress in Mont Pelerin will allow for exchange of maps

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades is optimistic that a Cyprus solution is possible in the second round of Mont Pelerin talks, which will allow for the exchange of maps and create the opportunity for the final stage of the dialogue.

Speaking on Thursday in a ceremony for the journalistic awards 2016 by the Institute of Mass Media and Communication of the University of Nicosia, the President said that there has been progress in the four chapters of the Cyprus problem. Now, he added, territory is being discussed with the hope of a conclusion that can be depicted on maps. He added “we must work with realism to provide perspective and future for the country” and that “the fate of the country requires us to exploit the circumstances to achieve what we owe to our country.”

The solution, he said, should not ignore the concerns of either of the communities and it should be realised that ensuring the concerns of one side should not be a threat to the other. He added that the solution should serve both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and that only through dialogue can an agreement be reached.

At the same time, the President said that he disagreed with those who speak for saving the Republic of Cyprus with the status quo, pointing out that “it is like we want to offer the northern part of Cyprus not to the Turkish Cypriots but to Turkey.”

'MEDIA CRUCIAL' 

The President added that the role of the media at this time is crucial. Journalists, together with politicians, write history and should inform the people correctly, objectively and accurately, he said.

He added that while it will be the people who ultimately decide, the media has a role to play in shaping public opinion. Journalists should not, he said, choose only a phrase or a paragraph of someone's words but should work to facilitate the correct picture.

Anastasiades and Akinci held negotiations on the territory and other outstanding issues interdependently in Mont-Pelerin on November 7-11. Their talks will resume on Sunday at the Swiss resort with a view to reacingh convergences on the territorial adjustment criteria.

Source: CNA

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