ERCAKICA: “CHRISTOFIAS’ STATEMENTS AFFECTS NEGATIVELY THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS”

Presidential Spokesman Hasan Ercakica has stated that the statements by the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration Demetris Christofias regarding the short-term crisis occurred on the opening date of the Lokmacý bordergate (3 April) are encouraging the resumption of the “blame game” which affects negatively the negotiation process.

In a written statement issued yesterday (6 March) Ercakica pointed out that the attempts by the Greek Cypriot leaders towards distorting the incidents occurred on the opening date of Lokmacý gate has given rise to anxiety.

Ercakica drew attention to the fact that the Turkish Security Forces in Cyprus worked in full collaboration with President Mehmet Ali Talat to open the Lokmacý Barricade for crossings. He said the incident that led to the closure of the Lomkacý crossing for 3 hours by the Greek Cypriot administration was that ‘a group of Greek Cypriots who tried to hold an illegal rally at the Lokmacý crossing was prevented from disturbing crossings at the border by Turkish Cypriot Police.

Explaining that the Turkish Cypriot Police had taken the necessary security measures for this incident within its own area of responsibility and not entered the UN controlled area, Ercakica said this was also witnessed by many people in charge from different ranks.

Ercakica said despite this fact the Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias in particular and the Greek Cypriot officials are trying to perpetuate their artificial claims that the Turkish Cypriot Forces had trespassed on the UN controlled area and that stance of President Talat was different from the stance of the Turkish Security Forces.

Warning that such statements has the potential to affect negatively the solution process on the island, Ercakica reminded that the Turkish Security Forcers were in Cyprus to insure the safety of the Turkish Cypriot people.

‘By disputing its presence on the island it would mean a return to past discussions instead of progressing forward’, Ercakica said.

Reiterating the Turkish Cypriot people’s readiness together with all its institutions and Turkey to find a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem as soon as possible, the Presidential Spokesman said the Turkish Cypriot side strongly believes that the “blame game” would negatively affect the efforts towards finding a peaceful settlement in Cyprus. He added that the Turkish Cypriot side would refrain from “the blame game”, which is attempted to be started persistently Christofias and from the provocative events that could threaten the Turkish Cypriot people’s security. Continuing, Ercakica said they would do their utmost for preventing the new negotiation process started on 21 March to come to harm.

 

MINISTER OF ECONOMY, FINANCE AND PLANNING OF THE REPUBLIC OF GUINEA ARRIVES IN THE TRNC

The Minister of Economy, Finance and Planning of the Republic of Guinea Ousmane Dore came to the TRNC last night (6 March) upon the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Turgay Avcý.

Minister Dore is accompanied by Ambassador Nabika Diallo the OIC (Organization of Islamic Conference) Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs.

Foreign Minister Avcý held a press conference upon the arrival of Minister Dore at the VIP hall.

Speaking during the press meeting, Minister Dore expressed pleasure to be in the TRNC and stated that during his visit to the TRNC he would carry out official contacts.

Pointing out that there are many students from Guinea who studies in the TRNC, Dore said besides education they also wanted to establish cultural, economic and political relations with the TRNC.

For his part, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Turgay Avcý expressing pleasure to host Minister Dore in the TRNC said this visit was important in terms of developing relations between the TRNC and the Republic of Guinea.

Foreign Minister Avcý pointed to the fact that Minister Dore’s visit was the most important indication of the efforts spent by the TRNC to establish new relations with African countries.

Avcý added that Dore’s visit was of vital importance for the TRNC’s openings towards the OIC and especially the African countries.

Today (6 March) Minister Dore will meet with Foreign Minister Avcý. Later Dore will visit the Founding Rector of the Near East University Dr. Suat Gunsel and then meet with the TRNC Minister of Economy and Tourism Erdogan Sanlýdag. Following this meeting, Dore will be received by President Mehmet Ali Talat. Dore will also visit the Eastern Mediterranean University and attend a dinner to be hosted in his honor by Foreign Minister Avcý tonight.

 

TURKISH TOURISM MINISTER ERTUGRUL GUNAY VISITS AVCI

Turkish Tourism Minister Ertuđrul Gunay, who is in the TRNC for participating to “Tourism Days Activities” organized to increase tourism awareness in the Republic yesterday visited Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Turgay Avcý.

Speaking during the meeting Turkish Tourism Minister Gunay reminded that the TRNC and Turkey always acted in solidarity and added that Turkey would continue to support the TRNC in its rightful struggle in the negotiation process as well. Mr. Gunay reiterated Turkey’s support to the TRNC’s decisive and rightful struggle that has been going on for a long time.

Stating that it was Turkey’s main goal to find a secure settlement to the Cyprus issue Gunay said besides this, the Turkish government would also support the TRNC in tourism sector.

For his part Minister of Foreign Affairs Turgay Avcý said, the Turkish Tourism Minister Ertuđrul Gunay’s visit to the TRNC was very important for showing the continued support given by the Turkish government to the TRNC in all sectors.

Pointing out that the Turkish Cypriots had experienced bitter days in Cyprus and reached a peaceful, independent  and secure way of  living only after 1974, Avcý underlined that because of this situation  the Turkish Cypriots  were  not seeking for  ‘any type of a settlement’, but are struggling for a just settlement.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Avcý underlining that the Turkish Cypriots wanted a bi-zonnal settlement based on the political equality of the two people, two founding states and the continuation of Turkish guarantee said “we hope the Greek Cypriot administration is also ready for this type of a just and equal settlement. Our expectation is to reach a just settlement soon.”

Turgay Avcý stated that the TRNC’s development and growth would not stop because of the continuing negotiations and studies would continue to develop tourism, education and other sectors.

Avcý went on to say that the development of the TRNC will be maintained while the negotiations process move forward at the same time, adding that Turkey’s support in the Turkish Cypriot struggle for a more prosperous future has a vital role.

He said “Our duty is to prepare better life standards for Turkish Cypriots and our motherland’s support is very important. Just like in other sectors, Turkey’s support in the field of tourism will give us strength in our studies.

Tourism does not mean economic development only, it helps a country to open itself to the world and besides Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Tourism also has an important duty.  Taking this reality into consideration we should develop and promote our tourism sector and ensure that more tourists visit and leave the TRNC happily.

Together with our motherland Turkey’s support we will progress in this path, our goal is to reach a comprehensive and just settlement. However, until reaching a settlement Turkish Cypriots development and growth cannot be hindered. Nobody should expect this from us.”

The Foreign Minister added that it is high time for the European Union to correct its previous mistakes by keeping its promise to the Turkish Cypriot People on the removal of its international isolation.