AKEL and CTP officials meet to discuss Cyprus issue and cooperation

On Friday, a delegation from the AKEL party, led by Secretary-General Stefanos Stefanou, met with representatives of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), including leader Sila Usar Incirli, at the CTP headquarters in Nicosia. Both parties agreed to intensify the work of joint working groups to address the Cyprus problem, aiming for a solution based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, in line with UN resolutions. They evaluated the current stalemate since the 2017 Crans-Montana conference, noting that the ongoing status quo causes significant political and economic costs. Incirli emphasized the importance of sustainable relations with Turkey and addressed internal economic issues in the occupied territories, citing a short-term debt exceeding 21 billion Turkish liras and monthly deficits of 3 billion. The CTP leader also highlighted the strategic necessity of a Cyprus solution for Eastern Mediterranean energy and security. Additionally, Incirli mentioned the party's ongoing efforts to develop a governance roadmap following workshops with 629 participants. Both parties committed to continue their inter-communal contacts and dialogue in the near future.