The UN secretary-general is pursuing "a last attempt" on the Cyprus problem, National Unity Party (UBP) member Hasan Taçoy said, suggesting that a 5+1 conference could be convened, based on Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman's proposals, if steps are taken on confidence-building measures.
Democratic Party (DP) secretary-general and Kyrenia member Serhat Akpınar, for his part, described António Guterres's diplomatic initiative as positive. He said, however, that the Turkish Cypriot community's core expectations remain unmet, pointing to the need to lift what he called the community's "isolation," alongside strengthening institutions in the north through reforms.
Üstel praises Erdoğan's gas pipeline pledge
In a separate development, 'prime minister' Ünal Üstel praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's announcement on the construction of an undersea natural gas pipeline, calling it a display of "strong will" bringing "projects of the century" to the north. He argued that cooperation with Turkey strengthens the Turkish Cypriot side's standing and answers those who question Ankara's support.
Source: CNA
