Çavuşoğlu: “This opportunity must not be missed”

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Çavusoğlu said it is the first time they have been so hopeful of a settlement in Cyprus and underlined that “this opportunity must not be missed. I hoped the Greek Cypriot side would not do something at the last minute, the Turkish side is ready for a settlement” he said. Çavuşuğlu pointed to the wall that divides the capital Nicosia and said it was time for a solution and for that “wall of embarrassment”’ to come down. He added: “It is shameful that such a wall exists between communities.” Cavusoğlu stated that there is compliance between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Akıncı and added that they were similar in some aspects, a sincere and positive energy have been formed between them and both are open minded and forthcoming. Even if there were differences of opinion this would be solved” he said.

Çavuşoğlu also announced that he will invite the Leader of AKEL Andros Kiprianu to Ankara. Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu’s Cyprus message is as follows:

“The negotiations are going well in Cyprus. This opportunity must not be missed. The next time negotiation may not be for a settlement so we should all support these efforts.  We do not say that as a threat. If a solution is rejected once again there will be other alternatives but now is not the time to discuss these issues”. Greece also support the process but she should support more and the church should support as well. Çavuşoğlu also expressed the view that the closed city of Maraş should also be opened. Peace and harmony should come to the island.  Maraş is an important component of the talks but it should not be perceived as a confidence building measure. (Milliyet)