Cypriot leaders aim to reach reunification deal this year

Cypriot community leaders on Friday reported good progress after negotiations for reunifying the country, saying their goal is to conclude a deal by the end of the year.

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, acting as leader of the majority Greek Cypriot community, said after a four-hour meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci that they achieved agreement on issues of citizenship and fundamental freedoms.

He said there was agreement on the thorny issue of Turkish settlers who will be entitled to become Cypriot nationals.

These are people who were allocated housing and properties in the part of Cyprus which was occupied by Turkey in 1974, in reaction to a coup by the military rulers of Greece at the time.

Asked if the number of settlers who will become Cypriot nationals after a solution was in the percentage of one to four, he replied "very-very close, with a small deviation."

He also said that there was an agreement that fundamental freedoms will by fully safeguarded and apply to the entire population.

"I wished we had the same constructive approach to other issues, where significant differences still remain," said Anastasiades.

He was referring to the future of properties belonging mostly to Greek Cypriots driven out of their houses by the Turkish army and also to security arrangements which have not yet been discussed.

Akinci confirmed that the United Nations-brokered meeting was constructive.

He added all issues involved in a solution to the four-decade problem will be discussed in four further meetings scheduled this month.

"Territorial adjustments, security and guarantees in general will come up on July 29 for a general exchange of views," he said.

These are the issues requiring decisions and concessions by Turkey.

Turkish troops are currently occupying 37.3 percent of Cypriot territory, much in excess of the population ratio of inhabitants of Turkish origin, who make up about 20 percent of the population of the island.

Moving forward on the Cyprus problem is expected to enhance Turkey's prospects in its negotiations to join the European Union.
Source:XINHUA