Referring to the Cyprus negotiation talks, Eroglu stated: “Together with the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades we signed the 11st of February 2014 joint declaration and we reached to the give and take phase. It was an important development that the UNSG’s Special Advisor Eide made statement and said that at the end of 2015 separate referendums would be held. It was an important gain. What it should be done from now on is to reach to a positive result which will lead to a comprehensive solution in the Cyprus problem”.
Eroglu criticized also the Greek Cypriot side for its intransigent attitude at the negotiating table and alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side which is always in favor of the solution has suffered from the so-called isolations.
Eroglu said that he always put the nation first and added that he is ready to give advices to Akύncύ if he requested.
On his part, the newly elected “president” Mustafa Akύncύ, addressing the people, started his speech by saying that he was aware of the major responsibility he was taking on and thanked everyone for all their support.
Touching upon his vision which he shared during the “presidential election” campaign period, Akύncύ said that this vision was approved and supported by the majority of the people and that his vision reflected the needs and demands of the Turkish Cypriots.
“The status quo in Cyprus cannot be sustained; this situation poses great threats against the peace and wellbeing of our county and the whole region. As the 11th of February’s Joint Declaration also outlined, Cyprus is in need for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation and this model will benefit both sides of the island. Such a solution will also contribute to the stability of the whole region. In that regard my main focus is a solution –oriented politics”, stated Akinci.
Referring to the meeting scheduled to be held with the UN’s Special Advisor in Cyprus Espen Barth Eide next week, Akinci stated that they will try to contribute to the preparing of the infrastructure for the resumption of the Cyprus negotiation process. I believe that the solution opportunity which was missed 10 years ago exists again. The only thing needed for this, is both sides to show a mutual will and to understand the mutual benefits of a solution, he added. .
“The Cyprus Republic which is under the control of the Greek Cypriots has unilaterally entered the EU but due to wrong financial decisions have suffered from an economic crisis. On the other hand, the natural gas discovered in the Eastern Mediterranean has created new dynamics for a solution. However, disputing over this gas, which has not even been excavated, is not the right path to take. Instead, we need to share this wealth justly. With the solution, transferring the gas to Europe via Turkey seems to be the most logical, the most rational and cost effective way”, stated Akinci.
In his speech, Akύncύ also touched upon the importance of the implementation of the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) in parallel with the efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem and said that these measures will contribute to the daily lives of the two communities. “In this framework, we will exert efforts for the opening of the closed city of Varosha for settlement under the UN supervision, and the simultaneous opening of the Famagusta port and Ercan airport for direct trade and flights. I believe that the CBMs will contribute to the efforts for a comprehensive solution. In this framework, the opening of new crossing points and the mobile telephone connection of the two communities is absolutely very important”, Akinci added.
Statements by Akinci and Eroglu during the Turkish Cypriot leader handover ceremony
