Akinci: Agreement on terms of reference difficult

''As long as the Greek Cypriot side continues to insist, there can be no retreat from our part on political equality'', the Turkish Cypriot leader said in an interview with Kathimerini on Sunday, explaining a key reason that makes an agreement on the terms of reference difficult to achieve.

"One positive vote is the minimum and no less is allowed. If this is not accepted, we cannot talk about effective participation of the Turkish Cypriot side in decisions ", said Akinci.

With regards to natural gas the Turkish Cypriot leader said that the behavior that prevails is:  "this space is under my sovereignty and I am doing what I think is right", so it should come as no surprise to anyone that Turkish vessels are starting to drill for gas.

Mustafa Akinci also expressed the view that if an opportunity for a solution arises, it is his duty and responsibility towards the next generations to seize such an opportunity.