N. KOTZIAS: As most of us, the participants, have ascertained, we haven't moved the negotiations ahead as we should have. Vital time has been lost, and this explains why the Prime Ministers won't be coming. As you will have seen, there are those who pressed for the Prime Ministers to come, without the conditions existing for their coming, but in the end reason prevailed. In the discussion, I raised again the need for us to move to a specific negotiation regarding the monitoring and implementation mechanism, regarding the troops and how they will leave, as well as regarding a number of other matters I have raised. A lot of negotiating time is being used up on secondary issues. I hope that tomorrow, with the help of the wise UN Secretary-General, we will be able to move ahead to more substantial discussions.
JOURNALIST: Did you make a proposal – was there some reaction from the Greek Cypriot side?
N. KOTZIAS: I understand that the President, the Greek Cypriot side, is preparing a specific system of proposals. He will put that forward. We, too, have put together a good text, I believe, because the Alliance and Guarantee treaties have to be abolished. It is well drawn up, and tomorrow Mr. Eide will be handing it to the Secretary-General.
JOURNALIST: Has the Turkish side given any sign of a change in stance, Mr. Minister?
N. KOTZIAS: I think we have to work for that change.
July 5, 2017