Sinirlioglu: The guarantor powers should interfere in Cyprus in order for the “new order” to be sustainable
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (08.09.15) reports that Turkish interim government’s Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu has argued that the sustainability of the solution which will come up in Cyprus and the new order which will be established there can be secured with the guarantor powers’ interfering in the issue again. Responding to a question yesterday during his joint press conference with Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci in the occupied part of Nicosia, Sinirlioglu claimed:
“The Turkish Cypriot people’s security need is there. The security of the Turkish Cypriot people is above everything for us as Turkey. The sustainability of the solution which will come up and the new order which will be established here can be secured with the guarantor powers’ interfering in the issue again. This issue is discussed at the negotiations”.
In his statements, Akinci wished for Greece to contribute to the negotiating process in Cyprus as guarantor power “just like Turkey contributes”. “I hope that after the 20 September elections, Greece will find itself in this position”, he added.
Sinirlioglu said that they observe that political will exists in both sides for the advancement of the process which proceeds positively and for the materialization of the common future which the Turkish Cypriot and the Greek Cypriot “peoples” will construct together.
Sinirlioglu argued that Turkey as guarantor power will continue offering any kind of support for making use of the positive atmosphere in the ongoing negotiating process and for progressing towards the solution without wasting any more time.
Sinirlioglu alleged that both Turkey’s and the “Turkish Cypriots” basic target is for a just and lasting solution to be reached the soonest securing the political equality and the “legitimate rights” of the Turkish Cypriots.
Noting that they will continue their “cooperation” in all fields and mainly their efforts for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, Sinirlioglu claimed:
“Our expectation is for this process to reach a solution the soonest in which the political equality of both sides on the island will be secured and the Turkish Cypriot people will feel safe. We hope that the Greek Cypriot side will this time respond sincerely to the Turkish Cypriot people, who have many times put forward their will for a solution”.
Referring to his meeting with Akinci, Sinirlioglu said that they discussed their effort to further increase the prosperity of the Turkish Cypriots and added that they will continue to work together on these issues. “The water provided by Turkey and will soon start flowing, will be a strategic gain for the Turkish Cypriots”, he argued.
On his part, Akinci said that they have evaluated the negotiating process, which “is passing through important thresholds” and which they are carrying out “in consultation with Turkey”.
Akinci argued that Turkey and the “Turkish Cypriots” sincerely want a solution and their target is to submit to the people for approval a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal structure accepted by both sides and formed by two founding states as mentioned in the 11 February 2014 agreement.
Recalling that elections will be held in Greece and Turkey on 20 September and 1 November respectively, Akinci wished for both countries to enter into a period of peace and stability after the elections.
Replying to a question as regards information published in the Greek Cypriot press that the Turkish Cypriot side might vote “no” to the solution in a possible referendum, Akinci said that the discussions for the “no” and the “yes” votes started too early and added that there is no text to which “yes” or “no” could be said. He recalled that according to the 11 February 2014 joint declaration, the text to be submitted to the approval of the people should be agreed by the leaders.
He argued: “Our target is firstly to establish a structure which both sides would easily digest and will not lead us again to periods experienced in the past and in which we will live in equality, freedom and safety. And after establishing this structure, when we submit it with a clear conscience, I have absolutely no doubt that our people will approve it. The approach that the Turkish Cypriots will say no is an extremely speculative approach […]”
Asked what Turkey’s stance will be on the compensations to be paid on the property issue and on the acceptance of a new state formed by the Republic of Cyprus, Siniriloglu replied that the negotiations are held by the “Turkish Cypriot leader” and the “negotiator appointed by him”. He noted that the negotiations are held in consultation and coordination with Turkey and concluded: “However, these issues are among the fundamental issues of the properties. Our stance on these issues is not and cannot be different. All we want is the achievement of a just and viable solution. Its parameters are there. We offer any kind of support for the success in this direction of our negotiating team.
CNA