Akinci: “The Greek Cypriot side may become neighbors with Turkey on the island if there is no solution”Under the above title, Turkish daily Hurriyet newspaper (19.09.16) publishes an interview with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci who spoke about the developments on the Cyprus problem prior to the New York Summit which will take place on September 25.

Asked on whether he meant that the “Turkish Cypriot administration” would actually become a part of Turkey, Ak?nc? stated: “I cannot know how the structure would develop after many years. In case of no solution we would of course want for the continuation of the TRNC but the Greek Cypriot side should carefully think where the unrecognized state of northern Cyprus, embargoes and the deadlock that accompanies will lead the issue to:.

Citing the possible rise of agriculture due to the “water supply project” which carries water from Turkey’s southern province of Mersin to the occupied area of Cyprus, Ak?nc? alleged that if a deal would not be reached, then the Greek Cypriots could become neighbors with Turkish citizens as Turkish people would possibly move to the Turkish Cypriot side due to the flourishing agriculture.

“If there is no resolution, then the Greek Cypriot side may become neighbors with Turkey on the island,” said Ak?nc?.

Asked what is the difference between the Turkish-origin population (the settlers) and the Turkish Cypriot population, Akinci said that the difference is not very clear, since during the passing of time people get married and children are born. Asked by the journalist if 100,000 settlers were transferred from Turkey after 1974, he said that it is possible. Bu as he claimed, despite their origin, all the citizens of the “TRNC” will become citizens of the Federal Cyprus State and members of the European Union.