NATO official calls Turkey to undertake initiatives on the Cyprus problem

Turkish daily Sabah (02.07.15-online in English) reported that Jamie Shea, NATO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, underlined that Turkey’s leadership is necessary as its strategic position enables it to act as a leader in many issues throughout the region.
Shea, who was invited to an exclusive conference, organized by Istanbul’s Bahcesehir University and NATO’s Public Diplomacy Division on June 25 to hold the keynote speech, highlighted Turkey’s position and stated that Turkey can resolve many of the problems without NATO, but NATO cannot solve them without Turkey.
He said that Turkey has had economic and political stability and praised Turkish democracy for its success, especially with regards to the representation of women in the Parliament, who now make up 20% of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM).
Referring to the Cyprus problem, Shea said that the “elections” in the “TRNC” promised opportunities to resolve the decades-old conflict on the island.
He underscored that Turkey’s role is key in issues like border security, energy and refugees throughout the region including Syria, Cyprus, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans and also touched upon Turkey’s strategic role in energy. He stated that issues which are considered as “immediate security priorities for Turkey” also concern its NATO allies; underlining that intelligence sharing between Turkey and its NATO allies regarding border crossings to Syria is extremely valuable.
Shea said that Turkey should preserve its leadership position regarding the Cyprus issue and use initiatives the same way it did during the Annan Plan of 2004.
Shea also stated that it was crucial for negotiations to restart between Turkey and the European Union.
The conference entitled “Changing Region: The role of Turkish Foreign Policy and Soft Power” was held in Istanbul, where academics, policy makers from NATO, the EU and Turkey, analysts, and others participated to discuss a number of issues including the changing regional dynamics, NATO, EU relations, shifting power dynamics and challenges to border security.