The cost of the solution to the Cyprus problem cannot be completely covered by outside sources, President Mustafa Akinci’s spokesman Baris Burcu has said.
He added therefore, that the natural resources in and around Cyprus could be used towards this end.
Burcu was responding to Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides’ statement that some of the revenues to be obtained from natural gas could be used to fund a Cyprus settlement.
Burcu, while answering BRT correspondent’s questions on the issue, said that all natural resources in and around Cyprus belong to all Cypriots.
“As the partners of the future, both sides have a common responsibility towards utilising the natural resources for the benefit of all people living on the island”, Burcu said, stressing that exploration, drilling and marketing of these should not be done in a way that could harm the solution process but in a way that could contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem.
“The cost of the solution of the Cyprus problem will be high. It is not possible to cover all of this from the outside. There can be nothing more natural than using our own wealth and resources for this aim” Burcu added.
Responding to another question, Burcu reminded that it was Akinci’s primary goal to reach a solution by the end of 2016 and added that the UN Secretary General shares the same goal.
“Within this framework, Akinci will be happy to meet with and work together with the UN Secretary General Ban under any condition and anywhere”, Burcu added.
BRT