The Turkish leader Tufan Erhiurman reiterated that he considers it important the fact that the General Secretary of UN Antonio Guterres continues to show such keen interest in the Cyprus issue, despite the fact that his term ends in December.
In statements to the SIM television station in the occupied territories, he said that there are no expectations for a new peace plan.
“There is no expectation that a plan like the Annan Plan will emerge,” he said, adding that the main expectation was to achieve concrete progress on issues that could be resolved in Nicosia by July, stressing that the crossing points are particularly critical in this regard.
Noting that Guterres is preparing to become more closely involved in the process from July onwards, Erhurman commented that this process marks a new wave of diplomatic activity.
He spoke of about five months of intense diplomatic activity (until the end of the term of the Secretary-General), adding that the Turkish Cypriot side is prepared for this process.
“Let us take the first step with good will, patience, composure and determination,” he said.
On the issue of crossing points, he said they have stuck to the four crossings that were on the agenda from New York. Those crossing points, he said, had been discussed in the presence of Guterres, adding that a solution was possible.
According to the Turkish leader, there were no issues regarding Mia Milia and Lurujina. Erhiurman also said that a new crossing point is necessary in Nicosia to solve the congestion at Agios Dometios and that this applies to both T/k and E/k.
He argued that the problem lies in the crossing between Athienou and Aglantzia, saying that this route is particularly important for Greek Cypriots, as it would facilitate travel from Larnaca to Nicosia. He added that the Turkish Cypriot side is ready to build this road, but its proposals were not accepted.
He said that an alternative proposal was also made, but it was also rejected by the Greek side, as he claimed.
In relation to the proposal of the E/K side to pass through the dead zone, he said that this entails serious risks.
The Turkish leader said that concrete steps must be taken as part of confidence-building measures and that hope must be based on solid steps.
At another point he said that the solution and peace are processes that must be built together and that he is neither in a state of despair nor is he creating unrealistic expectations.
“I’m not here to give false hope. I speak based on facts,” he said.
Commenting on the Cyprus solution model, he said he does not think it is appropriate for discussions to be conducted solely on the basis of some concepts. He said that the emphasis should be on substance and not on names.
He reiterated that political equality is the most fundamental element of the solution model. “I want political equality,” he said, adding that the rotating presidency is also part of that. He said that a structure that does not have political equality would lead the Turkish Cypriots to a minority position, as he said.
He also criticized the attitude of the PtD claiming that the steps taken on the ground were not in line with his approaches which “one day he said I am ready to start tomorrow from where we left off in Crans Montana and the next day he is holding talks with Egypt, with Lebanon, with France, with the United States in the defense, security and energy sectors”.
“You talk about regional peace, and yet you conclude military agreements ignoring us,” said the Turkish leader, addressing President Christodoulidis.
Referring to the issue of citizenship for children born from mixed marriages, Erhuurman said the issue is political rather than legal and indicated that legal channels will also be used to find a solution.
He added that he raises the issue in every meeting he holds and noted that “some progress has been made in the process, but that it is not sufficient.”
He claimed that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has also made observations on this matter.
Regarding the difficulties faced by some Turkish Cypriots regarding their entry into Turkey he said that there is a problem and it must be identified and resolved.
KYPE
