Statements by Akinci and Ozersay on the opening of the fenced off town of Varosha
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (21.01.15) reports that both independent candidates Mustafa Akinci and Kudret Ozersay for the upcoming “presidential elections” are in favour of the opening of the fenced town off Varosha but with different preconditions.

During a program on Turkish Cypriot private channel Kibris TV, Akinci said that he proposes the opening of the fenced off town of Varosha under the supervision/control of the UN for the benefit of both communities. He added that in case he is elected “president” he will seek a compromise in order to safeguard direct flights from the occupied airport of Tymbou and direct trade from the occupied port of Famagusta in exchange for the opening of the fenced off town of Varosha. Akinci noted that his aim, in case of being elected, is to reflect the factual will of the Turkish Cypriot community on the negotiating table and in any other platform.

On the same issue, Ozersay, during a meeting with the Turkish Cypriot Constructors Union, said that the fenced off town of Varosha should be opened under Turkish Cypriot administration, adding that this step will have a positive reflection to the economy.

Ozersay said: “I believe that the fenced off town of Varosha should be opened under Turkish Cypriot administration”, claiming that they can take a step on this issue without waiting for a solution if only they knew that they can depend on Greek Cypriot side’s will to take a step further; as it happened to the Cyprus talks, although they have discussed this issue several times with the Greek Cypriot side as part of certain proposals, they could not agree on it. He also said that he is determined to take a step on this issue, adding that no one can show political leadership with the concept “stay out of trouble”. He claimed that the opening of the fenced off town of Varosha to its legal owners under Turkish Cypriot administration may be the reason to break the stagnation of the current situation.