Akansoy: "The UN Needs a Success Story"

Speaking on a BRT program hosted by Aziz Karaaziz, Akansoy assessed the upcoming informal 5+1 meeting, stressing that progress in the Cyprus issue is vital not only for the region but also for global stability.

Geneva Meeting

Providing insights into last week’s working meetings in Geneva, Akansoy explained that four political parties from the north and four from the south participated in a joint initiative. He noted that the discussions were held under the Cyprus Dialogue Forum, with negotiators Özdil Nami and Andreas Mavroyiannis taking part.

Akansoy stated that the meetings addressed every detail, including the transition from a confederal to a federal structure. He also referred to Switzerland’s unique democratic model, highlighting its core principles of participation and solidarity.

"The UN Needs a Success Story"

Discussing the upcoming informal 5+1 meeting, Akansoy underlined that the UN Secretary-General has a clear agenda.

"President Tatar's visit to Ankara is upcoming. We are trying to interpret the statements made to the public. The UN Secretariat aims to take concrete steps in the Cyprus issue, but it would be overly optimistic to claim that a negotiation process is about to start," he said.

Akansoy noted that the meeting is expected to maintain dialogue between the parties and potentially pave the way for a new process. He pointed out that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s firm stance on EU membership, along with the EU’s acknowledgment of its need for Turkey, suggests the emergence of a potential compromise.

"The new structure to be established in Cyprus will be in line with UN Security Council resolutions. It should be recognized that a model safeguarding unity and a single framework can accommodate a two-state arrangement within a federal system, as past agreements have indicated," Akansoy added.

"The Rights and Interests of Turkish Cypriots Must Align with International Law"

Stressing the importance of Turkish Cypriots integrating into international law, Akansoy said, "The path to achieving this lies in UN Security Council resolutions. We must adapt quickly to the changing global landscape."

Referring to the need for an equitable model where neither side dominates the other or is placed in a minority position, Akansoy emphasized, "Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots must have equal rights."

He further elaborated:

"In a federal Cyprus, there will be two self-governing entities as they exist today. Each community will manage its own affairs within an autonomous framework, while certain powers will remain with the federal government. It is evident that no solution outside the UN framework is possible. For us, political equality is non-negotiable and must be accepted as an essential principle, as stated in UN Security Council resolutions."

Expressing confidence that resolving the Cyprus issue would open doors for progress in various areas, Akansoy concluded:

"Taking steps toward a solution is of great importance in a region and world facing instability. The UN must not forget that it needs a success story."