CYPRUS SUMMIT IN ANKARA

Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Turgay Avcý and Minister of Finance Ahmet Uzun, who are currently in Ankara, met with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Speaking after the meeting, Prime Minister Soyer stated that they exchanged views on the policies to be followed with the regard to the Cyprus problem.

Soyer pointed out that they discussed various issues such as the isolation imposed upon the Turkish Cypriots, the initiatives to be taken following the presidential elections in South Cyprus for a negotiation process based on UN parameters and continuation of the determination of Turkish and Turkish Cypriot people towards a solution.

Noting that they also evaluated the recent visit by Former German Chancellor Gerhard Shroeder to the TRNC, Soyer said they agreed to forward the new initiatives.

Drawing attention to the fact that the EU harmonization studies in the Turkish Cypriot side were carried out at both the Presidency and all the Ministries in coordination, Soyer said they also had the chance to benefit from Turkey’s experiences on this issue.

Explaining that the TRNC and Turkey were planning to take initiatives towards further development and institutionalization of the Turkish Cypriot economy and easing the difficulties arose as a result of the isolation; Soyer said the Turkish Cypriot side was determined to develop by using its own resources. Stressing the determination of the Turkish Cypriot side to wisely use its resources and to canalize the support of Turkey to infrastructure and productive sectors, Soyer noted that for this reason they focused on improving cooperation within this framework.

Referring to the issue of ports Soyer explained that they discussed how to improve the technical capacity of the ports in Northern Cyprus and the necessary measures to be taken on the issue of direct flights.

Pointing out that tourism was also amongst the issues taken up during the meeting Soyer said they particularly discussed further developing tourism opportunities towards German market.

 

PRESS STATEMENT BY PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON HASAN ERCAKICA ON 5 FEBRUARY 2008

The visit former Chancellor of Germany Mr. Gerhard Schroeder paid to our country has not only revealed the efforts of the Greek Cypriot side to maintain the isolations imposed on the Turkish Cypriots but it also revealed the mentality which deems itself as always right and demands the support of everyone for their stance.

Mr. Schroeder’s visit was certainly an important visit. Even though he is not a government official any longer, his leadership power and the concept he represents along with his closeness to the world of business and the efforts he puts forward constitutes a significant support for the Turkish Cypriots who have been working to reach a solution for the Cyprus problem and to reach out to the world.

However, there are some lessons to be learned from the turmoil Mr. Schroeder’s visit has caused in the Greek Cypriot side as well. The Greek Cypriot Government Spokesman Mr. Palmas’ approach that “Former German Chancellor has to, at least, respect the Cypriot people’s right to reject the Annan Plan” and the position he also employed by accusing Mr. Schroeder of “being impertinent” have indicated that it is only their own position that matters to the Greek Cypriot side.

However, those who wish to be respected for their position, has to respect the position of others first.

As it is known, it has been stated by the Greek Cypriot authorities themselves that every effort has been spent to avert Mr. Schroeder’s visit to the TRNC.

There is no need to state how far the Greek Cypriot side is from respecting the position of the Turkish Cypriot side. Besides, the Greek Cypriot side has also disrespected Mr. Schroeder’s right to travel, freedom to launch an initiative and the right to discover different ideas.

Mr. Palmas himself has also proved how disrespectful he is by saying “it seems that business interests or economic interests are well above the principles and values”. As regards to their own interests, these are always principles that are sacred and worth dying for. However, when it is the interests of others, these initiatives are defined as “selfish interests”.

As long as this perception is maintained, it will inevitably have an impact over the future developments regarding the Cyprus problem. It can not be expected that such a mentality, which deems itself definitely right and expects everyone else to serve this rightness of theirs to contribute to the efforts of reconciliation.

 

EVALUATION MEETING AFTER “HUNDREDS OF FOOTPRINTS” PROJECT

Following the event entitled “Hundreds of Footprints, Turkish Cypriot Women Marching against Isolation”, a project carried out in Brussels, an evaluation meeting was held.

The Chairman of Patriotic Women Union Oya Talat and the representatives of NGOs were present at the meeting where they stated that their aim was to increase awareness in the European public opinion towards the lifting of the Turkish Cypriots’ isolation and encouraging the EU to keep its promises. They also evaluated the studies to be carried out following the project.

According to a written statement issued following the meeting, with the aim of representing the footprints of Turkish Cypriot women in the European Parliament, they lined up real women shoes to portray the “Turkish Cypriot Women’s marching against Isolation”. The statement said this was not an artistic event and its aim was to make the voice of Turkish Cypriots heard in Europe.

Stressing that the shoes used in this event represented “every single individual of Turkish Cypriot people”, the statement underlined that “the event also tried to give the message to those who were watching to put themselves in the shoes of the Turkish Cypriot people”.