A group of former diplomats, politicians and statesmen, calling themselves `Beşparmak Group”, have held a press conference to provide information about their contacts with Turkish officials in Ankara.
founding member of the group - former Presidential Undersecretary Ergün Olgun listed `the establishment of a new state, bi-zonality, protection of the Treaties of Guarantee and Alliance, political equality and the accomodation of an agreement to the EU Law`, as their red lines for a solution in Cyprus.
He said that the group briefed the Turkish Foreign Ministry officials on their red lines, adding that they shared the same position on the issue.
He added that Ankara is dissapointed by the negative attitude of the Greek Cypriot Administration which has been pursuing threatening policies and continuing to arm.
Underlining the fact that the Greek Cypriot Administration – which is occupying the title of the so-called Republic of Cyprus – has no legal basis, Mr Olgun said that the Greek Cypriots are trying to camouflage this illegal situation by claiming that Ankara is pressuring the TRNC people.
Explaining that members of the group met with TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat before their contacts in Ankara, he said they informed the President of their concerns on the Cyprus issue, especially on signle sovereignty.
Stressing that the Turkish Side is not helpless, Mr Olgun said that alternative ways could be found in cooperation with Turkey.
Earlier, the Group held discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and officials from the Association of Diplomacy Correspondents in Ankara.