Akıncı: “We have a strong commitment towards a bi-zonal federation based on European values and political equality”

President Mustafa Akıncı stated that Turkish Cypriots have a strong commitment towards a bi-zonal federation based on European values and principles and political equality.

At the World Economic Forum which was held in Davos, Switzerland, President Mustafa Akıncı, the leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration Nikos Anastasiades, the UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide and the World Economic Forum Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab made a speech at a panel entitled “Unification of Cyprus”

In his speech during the meeting Akıncı stated that the UN Plan which was approved by the Turkish Cypriot side with a strong ‘yes’ vote at the referendum 12 years ago, failed to reach a solution due to not being approved by the majority of the Greek Cypriots.

Stating that as a result Cyprus entered the EU as a divided island and the Turkish Cypriots were left out, Akıncı said that as two leaders from the same generation at this time, they are working tirelessly to reach a mutually acceptable solution and added that the Turkish Cypriots are aware of the fact that it is the last trial in terms of reunifying the island.

Akıncı said: “I believe dramatically that a settlement also will develop  relations between all the relevant  parties such as the EU, Turkey, Greece and including the future united Cyprus as well as the two communities. With the solution: the newly found hydrocarbon resources in the Eastern Mediterranean will  act  as  a  source  of  peace,  stability  and  cooperation  rather  than conflict and tension;  united Cyprus will be able to serve as a hub for pipe-lines transferring  natural gas to the EU through Cyprus and Turkey, which seems to be the most feasible route and the water coming from Turkey will be shared with all the population on the island.”