Secretary General of the Turkish Cypriot party New Cyprus Murat Kanatli has expressed concerns over the delay in the resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus problem, stressing the need for confidence building measures
After meeting with the Secretary General of the Cyprus Green Party Giorgos Perdikes, Kanatli, whose party began contacts with all Greek Cypriot political parties, expressed concern over the delay in starting negotiations for Cyprus problem, the ongoing colonization of Cyprus’ northern Turkish occupied areas and the role of Turkey in the occupied areas of Cyprus. At the same time he pointed out the need for the Cyprus problem to be resolved as soon as possible.
Kanatli expressed his party’s support for Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades’ proposal on Varosha, saying that there’s a need for confidence building measures. He said he disagrees with the position of the Turkish Cypriot leadership that there is no time for confidence building measures because they seek a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem. As Kanakli said, the leadership can continue to discuss the solution, while technical committees and civil society can involve in solving technical problems in relation to confidence building measures.
“Varosha is giving us too many opportunities to start solving the problem and gives us Cypriots the opportunity to work together”, he said.
He added that there should also be other confidence-building measures as the immediate withdrawal of Turkish troops, and the demilitarization of Nicosia.
In relation to the new rules on public health, Kanatli expressed concern over changes that end free medical care for Turkish Cypriots with chronic diseases, which state hospital provide in the southern government controlled part of Cyprus. The Turkish Cypriot politician added that he understands the need for financial criteria due to the economic crisis, adding however that patients who suffer from chronic diseases such as cancer, should be treated differently. At the same time he suggested that Cyprus Republic should seek financial recourses from European Union or other international institutions, to address the lack of resources in this area.
Kanatli expressed regret over the death of former President of Cyprus Republic Glafcos Clerides, saying that he was a major figure for Cyprus, a great politician who always followed his ideas.
Regarding the right of Turkish Cypriots to free medical care, the Secretary General of the Cyprus Green Party Giorgos Perdikis said that there are some ideas to try and solve the problem.
Perdikis also said they discussed the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and there was concern about the delay in resuming the negotiations.
“We believe,” he said, “that negotiations should be based on a sound basis to ensure that they will proceed to reach a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem,” he added.
He said that the Greens agree with the New Cyprus Party that the goal should be a united Cyprus with no foreign troops and no bases, and expressed concern about the ongoing colonization of the occupied areas and the diminishing desire for coexistence.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. The latest round of UN-backed direct talks between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots began in 2008 and came to a halt in 2012 when Cyprus assumed the Presidency of the Council of the EU.
A new round of talks is expected to start in the coming months. The negotiators of the two communities have been meeting with the UN with the aim to agree on a joint declaration before the negotiations begin.