Çavuşoğlu: “It is not possible to continue from where we left off in Crans Montana”

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu stressed that the continuation of the negotiations where they were left off in Crans Montana was not possible.

Çavuşoğlu who arrived in the TRNC the previous day to hold some official contacts met with citizens in Yeni Erenköy together with Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Ali Murat Başçeri.

In his speech, Çavuşoğlu stated that Turkey always supports the Turkish Cypriot people and will continue to stand by the Turkish Cypriots without compromising.

Regarding the hydrocarbon resources in the Eastern Mediterranean, Çavuşoğlu stated that the Greek Cypriot side continues its hydrocarbon drilling activities despite all warnings of the Turkish Cypriot side but usurping the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people will not be allowed, as a result, the Turkish Cypriot side has started drilling activities.

Stating that the Turkish Cypriot side has a proposal to the Greek Cypriot administration in order to set up a joint commission to evaluate the hydrocarbon resources, Çavuşoğlu said that it was extremely collaborative proposal but it was rejected. Çavuşoğlu added “I want to make a warning, neither the European Union nor Greece or whoever can prevent our activities”.

Calling on the Greek Cypriot side to be honest and openly say what they want, Çavuşoğlu said that he supports a solution which protects the political equality and other rights of the Turkish Cypriot side but a solution with zero security and guarantee cannot be dreamed.

Expressing that for resumption of the negotiations, first of all, it should be determined what will be negotiated”, Çavuşoğlu said “Is there political equality or rotating presidency? Are there elements to protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people? We should determine these and start a result-oriented negotiation”.

Çavuşoğlu also stressed that it is not possible to continue the negotiations from where we left off in Crans Montana.