Akıncı Responds to Anastasiades: Crans-Montana Failure Cannot Be Blamed on Turkey
Former President Mustafa Akıncı has responded to statements made by former Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades, emphasizing that respecting the political equality of Turkish Cypriots is a fundamental requirement for the island’s reunification. Akıncı stated that blaming Turkey for the failure of the Crans-Montana negotiations is neither fair nor accurate.
In a written statement, Akıncı acknowledged Anastasiades’ sensitivity toward Greek Cypriot concerns and stressed the importance of addressing the concerns of both communities in any negotiations.
"During the negotiations, I took necessary initiatives to reach a balanced outcome that would benefit both sides, particularly regarding territorial adjustments, security, and guarantees. The process leading up to Crans-Montana was difficult, and while my relations with the Turkish government at the time were not ideal, it is unjust to attribute the failure solely to Turkey," Akıncı said.
He recalled that during a final meeting with Anastasiades in Berlin in November 2019, UN Secretary-General António Guterres confirmed that Turkey had shown flexibility regarding its unilateral intervention rights.
Akıncı also criticized Anastasiades for failing to acknowledge Turkish Cypriot concerns about political equality. "A federal government is a partnership, and in any partnership, decisions should be made with the approval of both sides. The continued refusal to accept that at least one Turkish Cypriot minister should have a say in governance only perpetuates division on the island," he stated.
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