.Eroglu questions the basis of the Cyprus talks, meets with Erdogan and Gul, and comments on Cyprus-Israel relations
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (19.02.12) reported that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has alleged that in case no solution to the Cyprus problem is reached by 1 July 2012, it will be proved that the problem cannot be solved on the basis of today’s negotiations.
Addressing a conference at Istanbul’s Bahcesehir University on Saturday, Eroglu reiterated that an agreement should be reached in Cyprus until 1 July and added: “Accordingly, in case we fail until 1 July, it will be proved that the Cyprus problem cannot be solved on the basis of today’s negotiations…Our commitments on the issue of this negotiating process are still valid and our effort is in the direction of being successful. However, at one point we have to think about our own future as well and we do not want to be dragged in this climate of uncertainty…”
Referring to the EU term presidency of the Republic of Cyprus, Eroglu alleged that “the Greek Cypriots”, as he described the Republic of Cyprus, should not overtake the EU term presidency on 1 July 2012 and claimed that if this happens, the problem will be put into a further deadlock.
Eroglu claimed that after 1 July the negotiations will lose their meaning because of the EU term presidency of the Republic of Cyprus and the presidential elections of 2013.
Eroglu argued that in case uncertainty continues, a new conflict might emerge with the developments in the field of explorations for oil and natural gas and added that this could instigate tension. He added: “Therefore, this climate of uncertainty should be eliminated. An agreement should be reached by 1 July. If it is not solved by 1 July, I believe that it should be accepted that the Cyprus problem is not possible to be solved in this way with the stance of the Greek Cypriot side. We have tried all methods for 44 years. Now we are trying the Cypriot-led solution method which is preferred by Christofias. If it does not happen with this method as well, it should be courageously said and seen”.
Meanwhile, Kibris (19.02.12) reported also that Eroglu met with Turkish President Abdullah Gul at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport. According to the paper, they exchanged views on various issues for around 20 minutes.
The paper further writes that in Istanbul Eroglu attended the foundation laying ceremony of “Rauf Cultural Centre”, which will be built at Sisli Municipality. Rauf Denktas’ son, Serdar Denktas and the Mayor of Sisli Mustafa Sarigul were also present at the ceremony. In his speech, Eroglu commemorated with gratitude Rauf Denktas, who led the Turkish Cypriots “from the point of being a community to the point of being a people having their own state”.
Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (20.02.12) reports that Eroglu visited Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan at his residence to wish him quick recovery after the surgery he underwent. No statements were made after the meeting.
Furthermore, according to illegal Bayrak television (18.02.12), Eroglu has described the bilateral relations between the Republic of Cyprus and Israel with a proverb saying that “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”. Evaluating Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent visit to Cyprus before his departure for Istanbul on Friday, Eroglu argued that the Greek Cypriot side, as he described the Republic of Cyprus, was intending to establish strong relations with the United States via Israel.
“Greece and South Cyprus have established closer relations with Israel after Turkey-Israel relations were damaged. This is part of their anti-Turkey stance. I hope they avoid moves which can lead to regional tensions”, Eroglu alleged.
Reminding of the cooperation established between the Republic of Cyprus and Israel on oil and natural gas exploration activities, Eroglu expressed his concerns over the fact that this cooperation can even lead to the opening of an Israeli base in Cyprus.
Eroglu gave the assurance that the “TRNC”, breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, will maintain its own exploration activities within its so-called “own territorial waters and land”. He announced that drilling activities will be launched in the near future.
Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (20.02.12) reports that Eroglu completed his contacts in Turkey and returned to the occupied area of Cyprus last night. In statements at illegal Tymbou airport, he said that with President Gul they discussed the Cyprus negotiations and added that his visit was very useful.