As the Turkish Side intensifies its efforts to assemble its negotiating team, the TRNC Foreign Ministry is taking on an important role in the formation of this team. Acting Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Huseyin Ozgurgun has announced that the TRNC’s New York Representative Kemal Gokeri has been assigned to the new negotiating team.
Speaking on a program on BRT 1 last night, Ozgurgun underlined the need to carefully assess the principles of single sovereignty and single citizenship, which he said, the people opposed.
“The two peoples in Cyprus must first demonstrate a common will to live together before opting for single citizenship and sovereignty” he said.
Pointing out that it will be easier to reach a solution should both sides approach the talks in good will, Ozgurgun said that the Turkish Side’s ultimate goal was to reach a settlement.
“Our intention is to reach a lasting settlement, one that protects our interests. This is what the people voted for” he added.
Asked about the Turkish Side’s sensitivities, the Minister said that the issue of single sovereignty and single citizenship needs to be carefully evaluated.
He underlined the importance of reaching a settlement that recognizes the Turkish Cypriot People’s sovereignty as well as the reality that there are two separate peoples on the island, something he said, watered down by the proposal on cross voting.