**Stefanou Warns Against Deadlock in Cyprus Problem**
Stefanos Stefanou, the leader of the left-wing political party Akel, expressed concerns on Wednesday regarding the ongoing stagnation of the Cyprus problem. His remarks came following a meeting of the National Council, where he emphasized the urgent need to avoid a deadlock in negotiations aimed at resolving the long-standing division of the island.
Stefanou characterized the current situation as "not good," highlighting a prevailing sense of pessimism due to the absence of recent developments or agreements on confidence-building measures. He stated, "We do not have the right, nor is it in the interests of a prospective solution to the Cyprus problem, to let things fall into a state of deadlock." This sentiment reflects a broader concern among political leaders regarding the potential for the issue to stagnate further if proactive measures are not taken.
The Akel leader underscored the importance of keeping the Cyprus problem as a top priority for the Greek Cypriot side. He urged for specific initiatives to be taken to control the situation and prevent the negotiation process from losing momentum. "We should not let the process die down," he asserted, indicating a commitment to maintaining dialogue and seeking solutions.
Stefanou also commented on the role of the United Nations in facilitating discussions around the Cyprus issue. He noted that even if current UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is unable to convene an enlarged meeting, it is crucial for the next secretary-general to inherit the convergences that have been established thus far. "This should also be our concern through the policy we follow," he added, emphasizing the need for continuity in the peace process.
Reflecting on past efforts, Stefanou acknowledged the significant work done by Guterres, which he credited for the progress made leading up to the Crans-Montana conference. According to Stefanou, Guterres himself remarked that the parties involved had come very close to achieving a resolution during those discussions. However, he lamented the lack of negotiations since that time, stressing the importance of finding a pathway to resume talks from where they were left off. He called for the preservation of the achievements and convergences that resulted from years of negotiation efforts.
In response to questions about President Nikos Christodoulides’ recent proposal of 19 new points for discussion, which Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman criticized as potentially disruptive, Stefanou acknowledged being informed of these points but chose not to disclose them publicly. This indicates a cautious approach to the evolving dialogue, with an understanding of the sensitivities involved in the negotiations.
Stefanou's remarks reflect a broader recognition among political leaders in Cyprus of the need for renewed commitment and action to address the ongoing division of the island. As discussions continue, the emphasis remains on maintaining momentum and seeking constructive pathways forward in the pursuit of a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.