According to illegal Bayrak television (16.02.12, online), former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat has commented on the Cyprus talks and the relations between the Republic of Cyprus and Israel. In statements to illegal Bayrak yesterday, Talat argued that the relations between Israel and the Republic of Cyprus are relations based on interests and added that these relations, which were bad in the past, are developed after the deterioration of Israel’s relations with Turkey.
Talat alleged that the drilling for natural gas and oil carried out by the Republic of Cyprus is contrary to the spirit of the solution of the Cyprus problem. He expressed the view that in case a solution is not found, both sides will be harmed and added that if a solution is found, the international interest for Cyprus will be increased.
Talat alleged that the elections are on the agenda of President Christofias and that every action in the government-controlled area of the island is related with the elections.
Assessing the issue of the four freedoms, Talat argued that the four freedoms are a necessary condition for securing the Turkish-Greek balance in the island.
Talat wished for the Cyprus problem to be solved before 1 July 2012 and Cyprus EU term presidency, because “there will be a very long postponement”, which in the end “will be turned into an unproductive meaningless process and pass to the second half of 2013”.
Talat expressed the view that the UN Secretary-General will not call an international conference on the Cyprus problem.
(I/Ts.)
