Turkish-Cypriot President-Elect Mustafa Akinci Welcomed By Greek-Cypriots

Greek-Cypriot Spokesman Nicos Christodoulides commented that Akinci is recognized for his island reunification stance and public discourse, to CNA. Christodoulides stated of Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, "...has just had a telephone communication with Mr. Akinci, during which he congratulated him."

The Cypriot-Greek spokesperson additionally said that both Cypriot chiefs, "expressed the wish to work for the reunification of our country." The southern territory of the nation, "welcomes the choice of Mr. Akinci as the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, a man who through his public discourse, his declarations, has referred to the need for the reunification of our country."

Christodoulides added, "through a sincere and substantial dialogue with the active involvement of Turkey those conditions which will allow us to be optimistic that the occupation can come to an end and our country can truly be reunified will be created."

Akinci's electoral victory comes after President Anastasiades withdrew from participating in UN-approved peace discussions last fall, after Turkey illegally entered its EEZ zone with its seismic research ship "Barbaros." Its activity ceased on April 6th; talks are predicted to resume shortly between both Cypriot sides.

(Source: CNA)