While it is well known that important political and diplomatic moves are underway in relation to the Cyprus problem, while everyone is saying that developments are imminent, Mr. Anastasiades appears to be complacent. In a few days he will depart to address the UN General Assembly, on the sidelines of which he will – maybe – meet the UN Secretary-General, but he seems to feel quite strong enough to handle the Cyprus problem on his own and is refusing to convene a meeting of the National Council to discuss with the political forces and brief them about the actions taken – if any – by the government.

AKEL’s longstanding position has been and remain collectivity in the handling of the Cyprus problem. Even when the ruling party itself was wavering, AKEL backed the prospect of talks with a view to reaching a solution. However, the way the President of the Republic is handling the Cyprus problem is worrying us. We are doubly concerned observing assessments being made internationally that there is no ground for a resumption of the talks with unpredictable consequences.

AKEL once again calls on Mr. Anastasiades to reflect on the magnitude of his responsibilities and to ensure that we do not have a repetition of the painful consequences of Crans Montana where not only did we not succeed in opening up the prospect of a solution, but the Greek Cypriot community was apportioned with responsibilities at the same time as Turkey was getting the credits.

Statement by Aristos Damianou, AKEL Political Bureau member

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 16 September 2018, Nicosia