Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci stated that they are committed to stepping up talks in hopes of reaching a reunification deal by the end the year.
Anastasiades and Akinci released a joint statement on the first anniversary of their talks on May 15 saying that they are pleased with progress made. The leaders said that they are determined to show the “necessary will and courage” to overcome the differences they acknowledged still remain.
They said any deal must take into account the concerns of both communities and that reunification will not only bring peace and prosperity to Cyprus, it would also contribute to stability and cooperation in the region.
The two leaders noted and confirmed via Twitter their commitment to a solution in their Joint Statement, issued by the UN Secretary-General`s Good Offices Mission in Cyprus.
“During the past year, while taking into account the concerns of our own community, we have also done our utmost to show respect to the rights of the other,” the two leaders noted.
“Our common goal is a win-win solution that will take into account concerns and rights of all in a future united Cyprus,” Anastasiades and Akinci added.
“We also would like to underline our commitment to intensify our efforts in the coming months with the aim of reaching a comprehensive settlement agreement within 2016,” the two leaders concluded.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops illegally invaded and occupied 37 percent of its territory.
(Source: CNA)
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