South Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades aims at a creative meeting with North Cyprus President Mustafa Akinci, on Friday, in a bid to create the necessary conditions for the resumption of settlement talks, South government spokesman Prodromos Prodromou said on Monday.
He was speaking after a session of the National Council, that was held at the South presidential summer residence in the Troodos mountains and lasted for about three hours.
Prodromou also said that after the meeting with Akinci, Anastasiades will convene the National Council anew and brief its members.
Speaking after the session, Prodromou said that Anastasiades informed today the members of the National Council about his approach vis-à-vis the August 9 meeting, as well as about his intention to create the necessary conditions for the resumption of negotiations and for a Cyprus settlement.
He also said that the members of the National Council submitted their positions and views, which Anastasiades will evaluate and take into consideration.
The South Government Spokesman said that the Greek Cypriot side aims consistently at a Cyprus settlement and at the resumption of settlement talks since July 2017. Therefore, Prodromou continued, while taking into consideration the position of all political parties, Anastasiades proceeds to take part in all procedures aiming exactly at the resumption of talks, on the basis of UN resolutions and the parameters set by the Secretary-General at the last round of talks in the Swiss resort of Crans Montana.
Asked if they will discuss a moratorium of activities in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone this Friday, Prodromou said it would be nor useful, neither responsible to prejudice the discussion.
As for the position of Anastasiades with regard to natural gas and Varosha, the fenced-off part of Famagusta, Prodromou said that “the positions of our side are known.”
Asked if there is a minimum understanding, Prodromou said that it is not the time to make statements. “We remain focused in the President’s pursuit for a creative meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader in a bid to create in general the necessary conditions for the resumption of negotiations” Prodromou concluded.
