Özgürgün: “We would not allow Turkey’s guarantee to be discussed in the negotiations”

Prime Minister Hüseyin Özgürgün has stated that they would never allow Turkey’s guarantee to be a subject of discussion in the Cyprus negotiations.

Özgürgün has spoken to TRT News after he attended the opening ceremony of the second legislative year of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey’s 26^th term.

The Turkish Cypriot people will never give up the full and effective guarantee of their motherland Turkey, Özgürgün stated. Public surveys indicate that 90% of people support this policy and Özgürgün believes that the Greek Cypriot side should be aware of this reality.

Both sides in Cyprus need a solution, Özgürgün said, but Turkey’s guarantee is sine qua non.

“Bi-zonality should continue.” Özgürgün stated. “The Turkish Cypriot people are equal to the Greek Cypriots. If the Greek Cypriot side accepts this, a solution can be found immediately.”

“The Greek Cypriot side certainly does not acknowledge this – that is why the Cyprus talks have continued for 48 years.”