By Evie Andreou
Akel leader, Andros Kyprianou, said on Friday he would brief President Nicos Anastasiades on his meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, which took place in the latter’s home in Ankara, but that he would only make public what was said if it was deemed necessary.
Kyprianou, who travelled to Ankara to participate in a discussion on Friday morning organised by the Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (Tepav) on geopolitical developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus, had dinner on Thursday evening at Cavusoglu’s home.
The two men were initially to meet on Friday morning but Kyprianou was invited by Cavusoglu to his home instead. Kyprianou was escorted to the dinner by member of Akel’s politburo, Toumazos Tsielepis. The dinner menu, reportedly, consisted of beans.
Kyprianou told the Cyprus News Agency that the meeting was in “an honest and friendly” atmosphere. He also thanked Cavusoglu for opening his home to them and for the hospitality.
He said that they discussed all aspects of the Cyprus problem that continue to be stumbling blocks to a settlement solution. He said that he would brief Anastasiades on what was discussed. Kyprianou said however that he would not make any announcements concerning the meeting, unless it was deemed necessary.
“On some occasions, not saying some things in public is imperative,” he said
On whether he would reveal what was discussed after informing Anastasiades, the Akel leader said he would assess the situation later on. “At the right moment, if necessary, some things will be said.”
Asked whether after his meeting with the Turkish foreign minister he thought negotiations could resume, Kyprianou said: “There are many problems and if the focus is not on the essence of the Cyprus issue by covering the distance that has been left to agree on the important issues which remain open, and if we seek to open other issues, then I am afraid that we will lose the essence and lead our country to adventures from which it will be very difficult to get out of unscathed.”
Prior to the meeting, Kyprianou had said that his aim was to hear from Cavusoglu Turkey’s position on security and that he would convey Akel’s positions but also the longstanding decisions of the National Council on all issues concerning the Cyprus problem, including those of security.
On his way to Ankara, Kyprianou made a stop in Athens for a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.
