Eroğlu and Demetris Christofias met this morning to resume talks within the framework of the negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus Problem. The meeting which took place at the Chief of Mission Lisa Buttenheim’s residence in the UN Buffer zone lasted for an hour and a half.
The Greek Cypriot side has submitted a precise proposal for a census in both communities that will be monitored by the United Nations .
Speaking to reporters on his return from the talks, Eroğlu said that the main topic of today’s meeting had been the issue of citizenship.
He said that the Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias had proposed that a simultaneous census be carried out on both sides of the island, something he added was unacceptable for the Turkish Side.
“We are a separate state. We can’t accept this. I discussed the issue with the Prime Minister (KUCUK) yesterday and we have agreed to hold a separate census here in the TRNC in cooperation with the United Nations. We however have no intention of holding a simultaneous census with the South” he said.
Eroğlu also pointed out that divergences remained on the issue of citizenship between the two sides.
Responding to questions, Eroğlu said that the TRNC government had already launched work to conduct such a census.
As to when the census would be carried out, Eroğlu said that he had called for a meeting with the State Planning organization tomorrow.
“What is important is that the census be carried out according to international standards and criteria” he concluded.
Yesterday, the Special Representatives of the two leaders Kudret Özersay and Yorgo Yakovu met for over two hours as part of their efforts to assist the negotiations process.
Speaking to Bayrak Television after the meeting, Özersay said that negotiating a limited number of TRNC citizens to remain in the event of a solution was a gross violation of human rights.
He said that this was also the kind of approach which needed to be avoided if the settlement to be reached was to be sustainable and viable.