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Turkish foreign ministry optimistic about a solution on Cyprus issue
Spokesman Burak Özügergin told a weekly press briefing that Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Mehmet Ali Talat paid a fruitful visit to Turkey and informed Turkish authorities on the ongoing negotiations in Cyprus.
"The parties (TRNC and Greek Cypriot administration) have been discussing several issues within the scope of negotiations (which had started on September 11, 2008). The first round is about to be completed. We always said that Turkey fully supported Talat's constructive efforts," he said.
Özügergin said, "the important thing is the good intention. We think that we have put forth our good intention. If the parties approach the issue with good intention, a resolution can be reached by the end of the year."
Replying to a question, Özügergin said continuation of the current guarantee system within the scope of a solution which would be reached in Cyprus was the basis for Turkey.
"We, as a guarantor state, will keep fulfilling our duties on the matter," he said.
Cyprus talks, which were interrupted when Greek Cypriots rejected a United Nations (UN) plan (Annan plan for solution of the Cyprus issue) in the twin referendums held on April 24, 2004, resumed in September 11, 2008 following the victory of Demetris Christofias, AKEL chairman, in the presidential election held in Greek Cypriot part of the island.
Talat and Christofias completed to assess "territory" issue in their last meeting, and also set the negotiation timetable for the period until October. Accordingly; they will meet on July 17, July 23, July 30, August 6, September 3, September 10, September 17 and October 2.
So far, the two leaders completed preliminary revision of "management and share of power", "property", "relations with the EU", "economy" and "territory" issues during their negotiations which had started on September 11, 2008.
Gaining independence from the UK in 1960, Cyprus became a bi-communal Republic where Greek and Turkish Cypriot constituent communities would share power guaranteed by the UK, Turkey and Greece. However, reluctant to share power and pursuing a policy of Enosis (Union) with Greece, Greek Cypriots soon expelled Turkish Cypriots from power and terrorised and ghettoised them.
An Athens-backed Greek Cypriot military coup on the island that culminated decades long armed attacks on the defenseless Turkish Cypriots in 1974 led to Turkey's military intervention and the island's eventual split into Turkish and Greek Cypriot parts. Although the Republic of Cyprus as described in the 1959 agreements is no longer there, Greek Cypriots continue to enjoy this title and international recognition while the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a fully democratic government representing Turkish Cypriots, still suffers under an unfair political and economic blockade.
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