President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades has expressed hope that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci also has the right understanding about a federation, and called on Akinci to give an example of a federation where everything the Turkish side is demanding is acceptable.

The President also said that he has made compromises, not against the Greek Cypriot community`s interests, but to meet the concerns of the Turkish Cypriots.

According to a Presidency press release, addressing the opening of Kedros of Ayia Marina organisation in the village of Kotsiatis, President Anastasiades said that there were problems in talks to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem and expresses regret that Akinci was calling on him to understand what a federation meant.

“My answers is this: I hope that he himself has the right perception of a federation. I hope that he himself, in everything he is putting forward, finds me an example of a federation where everything he is demanding for his community is accepted. And if there is even one state, a federal state, providing for such demands, I am ready to accept any solution, that solution”, the President said.
President Anastasiades wondered what his reaction should be to latest violations of the Republic of Cyprus` sovereignty, keeping in mind that Akinci walked out of the talks after “a historical reference to a historical fact”.

“I am often blamed for making concessions. Yes, I have accepted compromises, not against the interests of the Greek Cypriot community, but to meet the concerns of my Turkish Cypriot compatriots, to prove that I mean what I say. I have one wish, I have one vision: to see our homeland reunified”, he said.

He pointed out, however, that there were matters of principle and restrictions that could not be bypassed, because then the state would not be functional or viable, adding that the Turkish Cypriot leadership and community should take this into consideration.

President Anastasiades assured that he would continue to strive for a reunified country, with all its citizens enjoying the rights of all the other European citizens.

Referring to the economy, President Anastasiades said that in 2013 there were barely enough available funds to cover the needs of a single month, but four years later everyone could be proud because “we are showing growth rates that are among the best in Europe”. The President praised everyone for this result, government, parliament, trade unions, employers, and the people in general.

He said that there were still some problems to be overcome and assured that the government would continue efforts to address the needs of all vulnerable groups.

Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. President Anastasiades and Akinci are currently engaged in UN-led talks with an aim to reunify the country.