It takes hard work to reach a Cyprus solution, says Spokesman

It takes hard negotiation, building of alliances and determination on principles to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem, Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides has said.

Speaking to the press on Tuesday and invited to comment on statements made by the Turkish Cypriot negotiator, the Spokesman pointed out that the Government’s position is clear and there is not intention to enter a public negotiation.

He said that negotiating publicly would be a terrible mistake because it would destroy our negotiating cards, our strategies and tactics on the dialogue table.

Stylianides added that during their upcoming meeting set to take place March 31, President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu will make an assessment of what has been discussed so far.

“This is the beginning of the road, the solution is not ready, what it takes is hard negotiation, we need to form alliances and be determined on the EU principles”, he underlined.

The Spokesman referred to the upgraded role of the EU in the Cyprus talks, noting at the same time that we need to bring a new dynamic to the negotiations with confidence building measures.

Stylianides added that it has been acknowledged by the international community that the return of the fenced off town of Famagusta can give a boost to the talks, can change the atmosphere and create an environment of trust.

He went on to say that the indications to this end are good and it seems that the international community understands the basic position of the President.

Cyprus was divided in 1974 when Turkey invaded the island and occupied its northern third.

UN-backed talks resumed in February this year, following an agreed Joint Declaration between the leaders of the two communities, namely President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu. The leaders are scheduled to meet end of March while the negotiators of the two sides meet on a regular basis.