Bozkir: Cyprus problem is close to a solution
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 06.02.15), Turkish EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Volkan Bozkir has said that the Cyprus issue is heading towards a solvable situation.
Bozkir claimed that the process will become more meaningful if Greece takes on more responsibility on the Cyprus issue.
Bozkir came together with journalists at the Turkish Embassy in Washington D.C following the end of his contacts in the US capital.
Claiming that the Cyprus issue like the EU is a 50 year problem for Turkey, he said that they are trying to keep the Cyprus solution process and the EU process separate from each other. He added: “The Cyprus issue is approaching a solvable situation. The Joint Declaration signed in February 2014 in a way involves the elements of a solution. Today, since its parameters are known, the solution of the Cyprus problem is easier than the solution of the Syrian, Ukrainian and Palestinian conflicts.”
Stating that the natural gas reserves said to exist in Cyprus are causing problems, he pointed out that there might be less natural gas reserves than initially expected.
The Turkish Minister also alleged that the most suitable route to transfer the gas is via a pipeline over Turkey, adding that this will be for the benefit of all parties involved.
“I guess we can expect to see more positive developments in the future. There is nothing illogical in our statements. It is out of the question for us to withdraw the Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa vessel before the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people are safeguarded”, he stated.
Responding to a question, Bozkύr said that the first impression they got from the new government of Greece is positive and added that the process in Cyprus could gain momentum if Greece approaches the issue more positively and takes on more responsibility towards achieving a settlement.
On the same issue, Ankara Anatolia news agency (06.02.15) reports that Bozkir, speaking at a gathering at the German Marshall Fund in Washington, said that the continued partition of the divided island is a “shame”. “Turkey is ready to solve this problem. We will do whatever necessary,” he said.
Referring to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations, Bozkir said that Turkey stands to lose roughly $5 billion per year in direct losses alone if it is not included in a final free trade agreement between the EU and the U.S.. He added that Turkey “cannot afford the damage that would be caused” to its economy, stemming not only from direct losses, but also from increased unemployment and other economic fallout.