If Turkey wants a solution of the Cyprus problem as soon as possible, then Turkey’s seismic exploration vessel Barbaros must get out of the way to allow the resumption of peace talks, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides has said, speaking at a lunch hosted by the CIIM Alumni Association, the Cyprus International Institute of Management and employer organisations OEV and KEBE.
Speaking on “Cyprus` upgraded role in the eastern Mediterranean as a stabilizing factor and energy center for Europe,” and responding to questions from participants, Kasoulides said the leaders of the island’s two communities agreed at their last meeting last September, in the presence of UN Secretary General`s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Aide, “to set aside the procedural issues plaguing the process of the negotiations and enter directly into the new phase that would lead the two sides to reduce their differences on the substantive issues”.
Kasoulides said that this would have taken place at the beginning of October, however, he added, “Turkey suddenly decided to send Barbaros” aiming to put the issue of hydrocarbons on the negotiating table.
The Foreign Minister warned that if the Greek Cypriot side were to accept such a development, it would complicate the Cyprus problem even more and Barbaros will feel free to enter Cyprus’ waters at any pretext.
Kasoulides said that the two sides should negotiate on an equal footing according to the principles of the Security Council, adding that “we cannot be blackmailed by a show of power into accepting something in order to move forward.”
If Ankara wants a solution in Cyprus as soon as possible to pave the way for the possibility of a pipeline connection from the Eastern Mediterranean to Turkey, then Barbaros must get out of the way, the Minister noted.
He reiterated the position of the Greek Cypriot side that Turkish Cypriots would also enjoy the benefits arising from the use and exploitation of natural gas after the problem is solved.
Unfortunately, he continued, the United Nations when a problem arises tend to adopt “a middle of the road” solution, adding that this allows whoever is responsible for it to continue creating problems.
“The Cyprus problem cannot be solved in this manner, despite our great desire to resolve it,” he said.
In his speech, Kasoulides said that “the benefit for the whole region, for Cyprus, but also for Turkey itself would be huge if the country adopted a constructive role in regard to the exercise of our sovereign rights in our EEZ and in achieving a solution to the Cyprus problem “.
“If the Turkish side is positive, then I will reiterate that we are determined to work to build a new relationship between Cyprus and Turkey that will lead to solving the Cyprus problem by erasing the results of the occupation, thereby contributing to regional peace, stability and prosperity, “he added.
Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades decided to suspend his participation in the UN backed negotiations for a solution of the Cyprus problem, after Turkish seismic exploration vessel Barbaros entered last month Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone a few days after Turkey had issued an illegal maritime order (NAVTEX) for the area.
The Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state, has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.
