THE ELDERS – Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter and Lakhdar Brahimi – yesterday expressed the conviction that there would be a solution to the Cyprus problem, and said they hoped it would be soon.
In statements after being received by Cyprus President Demetris Christofias, Tutu said the possibilities for a settlement in Cyprus were great and that the two leaders had to be commended for their keenness and dedication in seeking a solution.
“We have been very, very interested in the situation here. As you know this is our third meeting and we come basically to give encouragement to people who are doing what we think is a good work.
“The world has far too many conflicts and we see here a situation where the possibilities of a resolution are great and the two leaders have to be commended for their keenness and dedication in looking to find a solution. And we come saying that we are encouraged by that and look forward to the possibilities of a united Cyprus,” Tutu said.
Asked if they thought there would be a solution soon, Tutu added: “There will be a solution. We obviously are wishing that it can happen quickly.”
He said it would happen because the two leaders “are serious that they have to consider every concern.”
Tutu noted that the fact that they keep meeting and are now going to be meeting in January over an extended period, three days instead of just one day, “shows how very serious they are about this and we are very deeply hopeful and want to give encouragement.”
He also noted that they met four young people, two from each community, “who are fantastic examples of how when people come together the things that separated them are not quite as important as the things that put them together.”
Meanwhile the government reiterated yesterday that it would not accept any strict timeframes.
“I do not want to be misunderstood,” said government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou. “The Greek Cypriot side is pressed for a solution, but we will not accept a solution for the sakes of a solution.”
Stefanou was responding to comments made by Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan who said he hoped the negotiations would conclude by March in a constructive way.
Erdogan was speaking after a meeting with US President Barak Obama on Monday.
Erdogan said the talks between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots “should speed up.”
“The procedure must be expedited and the talks should be completed by March,” Erdogan said.
The Turkish Cypriot breakaway state in the north of the island will hold ‘presidential elections’ in April “and we do not know who will be elected,” the Turkish leader said.
The Turkish Premier said there was a need for Turkey as a guarantor power and other countries, including the USA to get involved more actively, under the aegis of the UN Secretary-General and meet frequently.
“The UN Secretary-General should encourage these meetings because they are important to have from time to time,” Erdogan said.
He accused Cyprus of trying to exclude the Turkish Cypriots from the European Union and raise obstacles to Ankara’s European prospect.
“We are working to find a comprehensive and peaceful solution with rotating presidency,” Erdogan said. The leaders of will meet today to continue their talks.
