TRNC PREMIER EXPRESSED SUPPORT TO NEGOTIATIONS PROCESS AND PRESIDENT MEHMET ALI TALAT
Mr. Eroglu evaluated the Cyprus issue and the negotiations process during a visit paid to him by the members of the American Turkish Council yesterday.
Expressing that although the Turkish side is ready to sign a peace agreement, the Greek side is refraining from this, Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu said because of the Greek side’s effective propaganda the Turkish side has been shown as the intransigent side.
“However, it is the Turkish side which is in favor of a solution” Mr. Eroglu stressed.
Pointing to the need for the United States to monitor the current situation in Cyprus more carefully, he asked the US to see that it is actually the Turkish side which supports an agreement on the island.
Explaining that for many years they have been stating that the Greek Cypriot side does not have any intention to agree with and share with Turks of Cyprus, Mr. Eroglu said the world should understand that the Greek Cypriot side does not want a partnership in Cyprus and it only desires the continuation of the Cyprus Republic.
“The United Nations Security Council should overview its 1983 and 1984 decisions in order to bring the Greek Cypriot side to compromise with the Turkish Cypriot side” the Premier added.
Explaining that a solution would not be possible in Cyprus by only taking the red lines of Greek Cypriots side into consideration, Mr. Eroglu stressed that the government of the TRNC is a reality with its democratic institutions and organizations.
The Prime minister also said as the head of the government they are supporting the negotiations process and President Mehmet Ali Talat during the process.
Explaining that the first round of the negotiation process has been completed and agreement was reached only on some minor points, Mr. Eroglu said no agreement has been reached on the topics of property, land, government and map despite of all goodwill intentions of the Turkish side.
Noting that an agreement would be reached in Cyprus if both sides desire a solution, he said until now the Greek Cypriot side has sat all negotiation tables just for sitting adding that it is not possible to reach a deal with such mentality.
Stating that the negotiations process will continue and the second round will start, the Prime Minister said however the latest surveys show that the Turks of Cyprus have been losing their faith for a solution and prefers to live in two different states.
Meanwhile, members of the American Turkish Council also paid a visit to the Speaker of the Parliament Hasan Bozer today.
No statement was issued before or after this meeting.