Çavuşoğlu speaks about guarantees and the presence of Turkish troops in Cyprus after a solution is reached

During an interview with the Greek Cypriot daily Fileftheros, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said that he believes that after a solution is reached, the system of guarantees and the presence of the Turkish troops in Cyprus need to continue.

According to a brief preview of the interview, Çavuşoğlu argues that the existing guarantee system provides “a strong framework to ensure the future stability of the island.” He further stressed that “the overwhelming majority of Turkish Cypriots will not accept a settlement without Turkish guarantees”.

Çavuşoğlu said that Turks and Greeks must be treated equally in order to maintain an outside balance between the two countries, both of which are guarantor powers. He also said that Turkey will keep acting as the motherland after a settlement and will continue to provide security to the island within the system of guarantees.

The Foreign Minister stated that the two sides of the island have to work to achieve an integrated solution with the participation of the three guarantors, and that Turkey is doing everything in its power to help reach a fair and lasting solution.

Reminding that the former Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Rolandis had published a long list of proposals rejected by the Greek Cypriot side ten years ago, Çavuşoğlu noted that the Macmillan Plan in 1958, the Acheson Plan in 1964, the bicommunal constitution in 1975, the Perez de Cuellar Document in 1983, the Gali Set of Ideas in 1992, and the Annan Plan in 2004 were some of the proposals rejected by the Greek Cypriots.

Furthermore, Çavuşoğlu stated that the status quo is unacceptable for both sides and that a new and prosperous Cyprus will be welcomed by all intervening parties.

He noted that they are surprised by the continuing lack of political will from the Greek Cypriot side and that the opportunity window to reach a solution is closing very fast, and this is their last opportunity after the 50-year negotiations. Çavuşoğlu stressed that a comprehensive solution will be beneficial for both sides.