Cyprus-Forum.com

[halil]

TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat has said that the Turkish Cypriot Side would have equal sovereignty over the new federal government to be formed in Cyprus, which he said, should not be seen as the continuation of the Greek Cypriot Government.

Speaking at a program on BRT Last night, the President pointed out that single sovereignty and citizenship were included in all peace plans drawn up and in the UN parameters on the Cyprus issue but said that the implementation of these concepts will be detailed at fully-fledged negotiations.

“It is incomprehensible how single sovereignty was perceived as Greek Cypriot sovereignty” the President said, and questioned how sovereignty which is to be created with equal contributions of the two sides – can be seen as Greek Cypriot sovereignty.

Mr Talat said single sovereignty and citizenship should be supported with other elements when the concepts were raised by the Greek Cypriot Side but added that he said `YES` just to prevent the collapse of the process by meaningless and unnecessary insistence of the Greek Cypriot Side.

The President noted that he is ready to start full-fledged negotiations right now, adding that the address of the question why the talks have not been started is the Greek Cypriot Side, not him.

Mr Talat said relations between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Turkey are very special and said “this should not be taken as if we cannot use our sovereignty”.

He noted that nothing could stand in the way of a solution in Cyprus and underlined the importance of having a government that will support him in the efforts aimed at bringing a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

[halil]

GREEK CYPRIOT LEADER SAYS POLITICAL EQUALITY OF THE TWO SIDES WILL BE A BASIS IN NEGOTIATIONS

ROC President Demetris Christofias has said that a solution to be found to the Cyprus problem will be on the basis of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation and the political equality of the two sides in Cyprus, as set out by UN Security Council resolutions.

He said that full-fledged negotiations will be carried out within this framework.

Mr Christofias held a press briefing today at the presidential palace in South Cyprus during which he made significant statements on the Cyprus issue.

The Greek Cypriot Leader stressed that a federation in Cyprus will be based on single sovereignty and citizenship as well as on fundamental human rights and freedoms, without facing any foreign imposition.

He said providing an urgent solution to the Cyprus problem remains to be a priority for the Greek Cypriot side.

Referring to his upcoming meeting with the TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat on the 25th of July, Mr Christofias said he and Mr. Talat will be making a final review of progress achieved by working groups and technical committees and they will also decide whether to give a start to full-fledged negotiations or not.

He added that, in case the two leaders fail to make a decision on setting a date for the start of direct talks, the working groups and technical committees will still continue their work.

Pointing out that Turkey has responsibilities on the Cyprus problem, Mr Christofias underlined the view that it should be the Cypriots to solve the Cyprus problem, but without ignoring Turkey’s key role on the issue.

“Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots have actually been partners since 1960. However, due to some chauvinist factors in both communities, the functioning of this partnership was prevented” he said.

Responding to a question by the BRT correspondent on whether the Greek Cypriot had any deadlines towards starting comprehensive negotiations, Christofias said it would be a tragic mistake to set a time frame for negotiations and stressed the need for being patient for a settlement.

“We do not have a magic wand in our hands to solve the Cyprus problem, but we are working hard towards a settlement” he added.

Stating that the opening of the Ledra Gate for crossings is very much appreciated by the international community, he said the Greek Cypriot side is looking forward to the opening of the Limlidis-Yesilirmak gate for crossings as well as other crossing points.

[bill cobbett]

It is 2008 isn't it? Where's that calendar? Oh yes, 2008, all this year.

Now what on Earth made me think it was 1960 ?

[halil]

Christofias says Talat wants egemenlik

Egemenlik =sovereignty, domination, dominance, supremacy, ascendancy, ascendency, mastery, rule, hegemony, imperium, raj, reign, sway.



Christofias press conferance in Turkish can be read from below link .

http://www.kibrisligazetesi.net/kibrisl ... e_id=13564

[CBBB]

I didn't know Christophias spoke Turkish.