Talat: Cyprus talks will collapse if Eroğlu wins

As the margin between his opponent Derviş Eroğlu narrows as the elections near, Talat believes that he will win because he has made progress in talks with the Greek side. According to Talat, there might not even be a second round in the elections. The pro-reunification politician also said in an interview with Today’s Zaman that the talks with the Greek Cypriots will come to an end if Eroğlu is elected.

What are you planning to change if you are elected?

It is not quite right to say we will change more things because we have already changed many things. Together with Turkey, we follow a good policy that helped us make gains. Those gains will continue to increase. We have also taken important steps on the road to a solution. We have not received any complaints in that regard. The world has a good perception of it, too. There have also been two developments, the decision of the European Court of Human Rights [ECtHR] on property rights and the likely adoption of the direct trade proposal with respect to the [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus] KKTC, which show that Turkish Cypriots count much more than before. We have to continue to obtain results.

What is your opinion about comments that negotiations with the Greek side might come to an end if Eroğlu is elected?

He doesn’t have a vision for a solution. Therefore, the talks would end, and the Turkish side would be blamed -- a development against our interests.

Isn’t this Christofias’ goal?

I am not sure about that. This is the purpose of the Greeks who do not desire a solution to the problem, that’s for sure. The coalition partner is against a solution, and he is using the situation. He said there is a chance that Eroğlu might win, and if that happens, talks will end so the responsibility will be on the Turks. The Greek Cypriot government did not dissolve because of this possibility.

Do you think this is a matter of concern?

This is not a concern; this is a development that will surely happen. Eroğlu cannot negotiate.

Would Turkey’s suggestions have an influence on Eroğlu?

Of course, Turkey would tell Eroğlu to continue the negotiations. And Eroğlu would not walk away from the table. But Turkey would not be able to know what Eroğlu would do at the table. He is the one who will carry out the negotiations. If he doesn’t have a vision, it would not matter what Turkey would suggest or tell him.

Would Eroğlu’s election lead to comments such as “Turks no longer desire peace on the island”?

There would be such comments, and all eyes would turn to Turkish Cypriots. It is quite evident that when talks are severed, the blame will be put on the Turkish side.

There are comments saying that you are Turkey’s candidate. Would that have an adverse effect on the Turkish Cypriot electorate?

No. Turkish Cypriots have great love and respect for Turkey, and they attach great importance to Turkey’s assessments. Turkey does not have a tradition of openly supporting a candidate. Turkey supports policies.

There are Greeks supporting you on the Greek Cypriot side. Isn’t this a handicap?

They are Greeks who want a solution. And people know it, too.

Polls show that the margin between you and Eroğlu has narrowed. Are you hopeful?

Today, policies regarding the Cyprus problem have been given more importance than the general policies of the parties. Therefore, there are changes in the [electoral] tendencies. It is more likely that the elections will have to go through a second round. I think I will win in the first round.

Some citizens say Eroğlu is exploiting the power of being in the government.

Eroğlu uses his position to apply some pressure on voters. I react seriously against this practice, which even reaches the dimensions of corruption.

It is the first time that you have used the expression “mainland” frequently in your public addresses.

It is not an incorrect statement. It is not a statement indicating that we are adopting new policies, either. But I am giving the account of my six-year rule. Therefore, I have to emphasize that we were acting together with Turkey.