EROGLU’S PUBLIC ADDRESS ON NEGOTIATIONS
“If both sides show the necessary political will and leadership, then it might be possible to resolve the Cyprus problem by the end of this year” TRNC President Derviş Eroğlu has said. In his public address on the course of Cyprus peace negotiations issued today, which was broadbast on Bayrak Radio and Television, the President underlined the need for following a mutual constructive approach towards achieveing a fair solution in Cyprus.''
“As earlier stressed by the United Nations, the end of this year is a turning point on the Cyprus issue. That is to say, there is a “natural” timetable for a settlement, although the Greek Cypriot Side rejects time restrictions''
He also emphasized that a possible settlement must take the two constituent states of equal status as its basis.
Providing information about the Property Chapter, which is the current chapter of talks, Eroğlu said that any progress to be achieved on this thorny issue will bring momentum to the solution process.
Yet, the President said there has not been a significant level of progress on Property.
“Our primary principle on Property is the bi-zonality- which has become a UN parameter” Eroğlu said, adding that bringing restrictions to the return of properties is a must in order not to destroy the main principle that each community will rule one constituent state.
Eroğlu noted that leaving the final decision on Property to the individuals can bring chaos.
He reminded of the fact that the recent rulings of the European Court of Human Rights on related cases have seriously strengthened the TC proposals on Property.
Derviş Eroğlu said he believes that it will be possible to come up with more concrete proposals on this Chapter in September as the two sides already discussed their mutual expectations and concerns before giving a break to the talks.
He also reiterated the Tuekish Cypriot Side’s full cooperation with motherland Turkey while resuming the negotiations process.
On the issuse of the Direct Trade Regulation- which was introduced by the EU Commission in 2004 and remained unimplemented-, President Eroğlu said the implementation of the Regulation will not mean the removal of isolations on the TRNC, but will be a step forward.
“Such initiatives will also encourage the Greek Cypriot Side to follow a more conceivable stance in the process of settlement” he added.
Eroğlu went on saying that establishing a bi-zonal, bi-communal partnership is hard, but not impossible.
The President finalized his public address by stating that he will no way allow the people of the TRNC to re-experience the pre-1974 period and promised on the protection of gained rights.