AKEL begins first round of contacts in Brussels

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 20th October 2015, Nicosia

In the morning the General Secretary of the C.C. of AKEL A. Kyprianou had a meeting with Clara Martínez-Alberola, Deputy Head of European Commission President Juncker’s Cabinet, who is dealing with the Cyprus problem on behalf of Mr. Juncker. During the meeting, there was an exchange of views on the Cyprus problem and it was agreed to continue the communication. The General Secretary of AKEL reiterated AKEL’s willingness to contribute to the efforts to reach a solution as soon as possible, but without concessions on issues of principle.

Subsequently, Andros Kyprianou met with the President of the Group of Socialists and Democrats Mr. Gianni Pitella whom he briefed on the latest developments surrounding the Cyprus problem. He then set out the principles which must govern the solution of the Cyprus problem. The General Secretary of AKEL clarified that Cyprus as a member state of the EU does not need guarantees from third countries, neither can permanent derogations from the acquis communautaire be accepted which restrict the fundamental freedoms of the Cypriot people. He pointed out that a successful conclusion with regards the property issue will give an impetus to the continuation of the negotiations. Finally, he made it clear that without Turkey fulfilling its obligations towards the European Union and the Republic of Cyprus the opening of chapters cannot be discussed. Mr. Pitella agreed with the principles of the solution of the Cyprus problem and expressed his intention to visit Cyprus before the end of the year in an effort to contribute towards promoting the efforts on the Cyprus problem.

The General Secretary of AKEL Andros Kyprianou will subsequently have a meeting with the President of the Workers’ Party of Belgium PTB/PVDA, as well as with MEPs.

A. Kyprianou is accompanied in his meetings by Toumazos Tsielepis, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C. of AKEL, Vera Polycarpou, Head of the International Relations and European Affairs Department of the C.C. of AKEL, AKEL MEP Takis Hadjigeorgiou and M. Savva, a member of the C.C. of AKEL.