CYPRUS: Akinci suggests meeting with Anastasiades is possible

Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci suggests that a rare social meeting with Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades could be possible in the coming days if only to talk about the new crossings.

“I shall meet with him after arranging the time and grounds for the meeting,” Akinci is reported as saying.

It would be the first time the two leaders have met in a social setting since April and neither have sat down for face-to-face talks since the peace summit debacle at Crans-Montana in July 2017.

Akinci said the Greek Cypriot leader had called him via telephone when in New York to thank him for a present he had sent him for his birthday.

“He wanted to thank me after receiving my present…I wished him a happy birthday and he called to thank me.”

Akinci said that during their recent phone conversation that the possibility of coming together for a social gathering was raised.

“I did not give him a negative reply,” said Akinci who made clear he didn’t want to give the impression the old talks process was still alive.

“I do not want any new dialogue to be perceived as a continuation of the old negotiations process. As I have said before that process is over,” said Akinci.

“I would not wish to give people false hopes …if there is not a positive situation I would not like to raise the hopes of the people as if there is a reason to do so,” he added.

Akinci said he would need to meet Anastasiades anyway to clarify the way forward on the opening of two new crossings – Dherynia and Lefka -for the first time in a decade.

 “I’ve said that it will be necessary to meet to discuss these issues and determine an opening date”, Akinci added.

Akinci will meet UN chief of mission Elizabeth Spehar on Tuesday to discuss preparations to open the Dherynia and Lefka crossings.