The government aims to convene the next expanded conference, with the participation of the guarantor powers, as soon as possible, to hold substantive discussions and take another decisive step towards the resumption of negotiations, government spokesperson Konstantinos Letympiotis stated following yesterday’s National Council session. He described the meeting as “a very constructive, substantive exchange of views,” particularly regarding the tripartite discussions, but even more so regarding the next steps “towards achieving the goal, which is none other than the resumption of negotiations from the point at which they left off.”
Referring to the tripartite communiqué, Letympiotis described “the reference to the United Nations Security Council resolutions” as very significant, arguing that “all members of the National Council have noted this with satisfaction, recognising both the importance and the value of this reference and the reassertion of protection under international law.”
When asked about statements made by Erhürmann, who clarified that the reference to political equality in yesterday’s joint communiqué does not imply a rejection of the position on the sovereignty of two constituent states, the spokesperson said he did not wish to enter a public debate. He added, however, that “the definition of political equality by the United Nations Security Council dates back to 1991 and is clear.”
Disagreements from the Usual “Worriers”
According to sources, while the majority of National Council members considered the outcome of Thursday’s tripartite meeting positive, at least two parties - EDEK and ELAM - raised objections and “concerns,” as reflected in statements made after the session.
EDEK leader Nikos Anastasiou noted that the party had voiced concerns “about the apparent attempt by the occupying leader to link the rotating Presidency with political equality” as well as disagreements “with the conditions and so-called measures proposed by Mr Erhürmann.”
Meanwhile, ELAM MP Sotiris Ioannou, attending on behalf of his party, stated that the hopes raised by Mr Erhürmann’s election are dashed by the ten points he has proposed, which, according to Ioannou, are “essentially an invitation for the Republic of Cyprus to surrender sovereignty.” He added, “As ELAM, we reject a bizonal, bicommunal federation.”
This article was originally published in the Politis daily newspaper.