FOREIGN MINISTER AVCI: “THERE IS NO CHANGE IN GREEK CYPRIOT MENTALITY”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Turgay Avcý stated that attempts by the Greek Cypriot administration to prevent the opening of a TRNC tourism and trade office in Tel Aviv were a clear indication that there was no change in the Greek Cypriot side’s mentality on the Cyprus issue.

Foreign Minister Avcý said the real intention of the Greek Cypriot administration, which has been acting like they were in favor of peace and solution following the elections in South Cyprus, have transpired.

In a written statement on Wednesday (12 March), Avcý pointed out that Greek Cypriot representative to Israel George Zodiates’ such attempts were another blow to the positive atmosphere on the island at a time when fresh efforts were being made towards resuming the Cyprus negotiations process.

Avcý noted that Zodiates had put himself in an awkward position by claiming that the ferry services to and from the TRNC ports were illegal, despite the fact that the EU had repeatedly made it clear that all TRNC ports were legal.

Saying that such statements were an indication that the Greek Cypriot side would continue its well known manipulative tactics Avcý said:

“We want to underline once more that the Greek Cypriot side, which works to collapse the Turkish Cypriot people economically, socially and politically at every opportunity, will not be allowed to realize its objective. The Turkish Cypriot people will continue to remain committed towards a solution with all its good will. However, we would like to reiterate that the Turkish Cypriot side’s unilateral goodwill initiatives are not sufficient for reaching a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus”.

 

 

TALAT-CHRISTOFIAS MEETING TO TAKE PLACE ON 21 MARCH

It has been announced that President Mehmet Ali Talat and the Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias will be coming together next Friday, on the 21st of March at the UN Special Representative for Cyprus Michael Moller’s residence in the buffer zone.

Presidential Spokesman Hasan Ercakica stated that the date for the meeting was set during Wednesday’s meeting between TRNC President’s Special Representative for Negotiations with the UN and the EU Ozdil Nami and Yorgos Yakovu, an aide to the Greek Cypriot Leader.

Pointing out that the meeting between Nami and Yakovu was realized in a positive atmosphere, Ercakica said during the meeting they decided on both the date and the agenda for the meeting between the two leaders.

He noted that Nami and Yakovu also held useful discussions on the opening of a gate at Lokmaci in Lefkosa and added that the issue was expected to be concluded during the meeting between the two leaders.