FOREIGN MINISTER AVCI RESPONDS TO PASALIDIS’ STATEMENTS
AVCI: “TURKISH CYPRIOT PEOPLE HAVE EQUAL RIGHTS OVER THE NATURAL RESOURCES IN CYPRUS AS MUCH AS THE GREEK CYPRIOTS”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Turgay Avcý stating that according to the international agreements the Turkish Cypriot people have equal rights over the natural resources of Cyprus as much as the Greek Cypriots said provocative and baseless statements of the Greek Cypriot Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Andonis Pasalidis could not change this fact. Avcý added that the Turkish Cypriot people would not give concessions on its interests and legitimate rights stemming from international agreements.

In a written statement issued yesterday (9 April), Foreign Minister Avcý pointed out that Pasalidis’ statements to the effect that the Greek Cypriot side prepares to enter the second phase of bids over oil exploration around Cyprus territorial waters at a time when initiatives are being taken towards finding a comprehensive and permanent solution in Cyprus clearly indicated that Greek Cypriot side’s intransigent approach, which ignores the legitimate rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, was continuing.

Avcý said Greek Cypriot Minister for Commerce, Industry and Tourism Andonis Pasalidis by announcing that the Greek Cypriot side prepares to enter the second phase of bids over oil exploration around Cyprus territorial waters with the aim of exploring possible hydrocarbon resources in the exclusive economic zone, which is illegally determined by the Greek Cypriot administration, has brought the issue of oil reserves back to the agenda, thus negatively affected the cordial atmosphere tried to be created for a possible solution process.

Avcý stating that the Greek Cypriot administration, which is now headed by Demetris Christofias, was still insisting on maintaining its policy aimed at creating crisis, said because Pasalidis’ statements were made at a time when technical committees and working groups have been formed and would start their studies soon within the framework of 21 March agreement towards resuming full-fledged negotiations towards a comprehensive solution in Cyprus, the Greek Cypriot administration’s sincerity towards a solution should be seriously examined.

The Foreign Minister added that by saying that this issue had no connection to the Cyprus problem at all; the Greek Cypriot Minister was trying to mislead the international community.

Foreign Minister Avcý explained that despite the constructive approach of the Turkish Cypriot side which has always displayed and still maintains a positive attitude with the aim of finding a just and comprehensive solution in Cyprus, the Greek Cypriot administration’s provocative attitude towards sabotaging a solution once again showed the international public opinion who are actually preventing a solution in Cyprus.

Continuing, Foreign Minister Avcý said:

“According to the international agreements the Turkish Cypriot people have equal rights over the natural resources in Cyprus as much as the Greek Cypriots. Pasalidis’ provocative and baseless statements will not change this reality. Turkish Cypriot people will not give concessions over their interests and legitimate rights stemming from international treaties.”