FOREIGN MINISTER AVCI: “EU CONTACT GROUP SHOULD APPROACH SENSITIVELY TO TURKISH CYPRIOTS’ VIEWS”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Turgay Avcı referring to the visit of the European Parliament’s High Level Contact Group to the TRNC (23-24 November), expressed disappointment, because the Group’s program did not include meeting with any TRNC officials. Stating that the High Level Contact Group was formed to act as a bridge between the Turkish Cypriots and the EU, Foreign Minister Turgay Avcı said that the Contact Group should approach sensitively to the views of the Turkish Cypriot side in all its studies.

The written statement issued on 22 November by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Turgay Avcı is as follows:

We have learned with great disappointment that the European Parliament High – Level Contact Group for Relations with the Turkish-Cypriot community in the northern part of the island, which was formed to form a bridge between the Turkish Cypriots and European Union, will not meet any Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus officials during its visit to our country between 23 – 24 November 2006. The Turkish Cypriot side considers this course of conduct of the Contact Group, the terms of reference of which is to further the relations between the Turkish Cypriots and the European Union institutions, particularly with the European Parliament, as incomprehensible.

The main expectation of the Turkish Cypriot side, which has openly demonstrated its sincerity for a solution in Cyprus, is to integrate with the rest of the world and convey its views. In this regard, it is worthy to refer once more to the decision of the European Union Council of 26 April 2004 taken following the referenda for the internationally supported Annan Plan, aiming at lifting of the isolation imposed on North Cyprus. In the light of the decision taken and all other commitments undertaken in this regard, the fact that the said Group refrains from contacting the democratically elected representatives of the Turkish Cypriots is unacceptable.

It is clear that the avoidance of the Contact Group from contacting the Turkish Cypriot political authorities, who approach each and every initiative in a constructive manner, will not be conducive to the efforts in search for a possible settlement in Cyprus. Furthermore, the stance of the Contact Group contradicts with its main objective of conveying the views and concerns of the Turkish Cypriots to the EU circles. It should be stressed that it is extremely important for the Contact Group to take into consideration the sensitivities of the Turkish Cypriot side in all its activities and works. 

ERÇAKICA: “PROCESS STARTED BY GAMBARI NEEDS INTERNATIONAL CONCERN

The Presidential Spokesman Hasan Erçakıca in his weekly press conference held yesterday (23 November) evaluated the Cyprus issue, the new process, and the latest developments in South Cyprus.

Erçakıca has called upon everyone related to provide their contributions in order not to cause interruption of the 8 July process initiated by the UN.

Presidential Spokesman Hasan Erçakıca said that the Turkish Cypriot side has been approaching the proposals concerning the method established by Mr. İbrahim Gambari, Under-Secretary- General for Political Affairs, and will do its best for the promotion of the process.

Reminding that the Greek Cypriot side has been striving to avoid the delivery of such a letter, Spokesman Erçakıca said: “Therefore, the letter contains several ambiguities. It seems that the interventions of the Greek Cypriot side have prevented the letter from suggesting effective and definite methods. Unless the Greek Cypriot side, who tried to avoid the arrival of the letter, does not refrain from creating new problems by exploiting these ambiguities, it will be quite difficult to promote this process and start the negotiations concerning substantive issues.”

Spokesman Erçakıca said that although the Greek Cypriot side had explained that they had replied positively to the UN concerning the letter, these issues should be taken into consideration by all relevant parties from the start and that everyone should contribute in order not to cause interruption of the process. He also added that they welcomed the statement concerning the said issue made by the UN Security Council Permanent Members.

Presidential Spokesman Hasan Erçakıca stated that, the fact that Secretary General reiterated his call to end the isolations imposed on Turkish Cypriots and expressed his despair regarding the rejection of the Annan Plan by the Greek Cypriot side during the meeting held between President Mehmet Ali Talat and UN Secretary General Mr. Kofi Annan in Geneva on 20 November 2006, are issues that are important and should be underlined.

Spokesman Erçakıca stressed that Secretary General’s expressions have once more demonstrated to the international arena that it is the Greek Cypriot side who is responsible for the deadlock of the Cyprus Issue.