Ertuğruloğlu: “If two equal states can sit at the negotiation table, we are ready for talks”

“If two equal states can sit at the negotiating table, then we are ready for the negotiation process to begin. No one should dream a solution is possible if the Greek Cypriots are a state and we are a community at that table” said Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu.

Speaking on a TV programme on BRT, Ertuğruloğlu stated that the 50-year negotiation process ended with failure in Crans Montana, adding that the new process on the Cyprus issue would be carried out in consultation with Motherland Turkey.

Minister Ertuğruloğlu said that the TRNC will never avoid negotiations, but they had no more patience for a process which has no chance of being successful. He stressed that the Turkish Cypriot people had no more time to lose.

“What have we gained out of the 50-year negotiation process under UN parameters? We were kept at the table for 50 years. We suffered under isolations. Greek Cypriots became members of the UN and the EU” said the Minister.

He said:

“Greek Cypriots insist on zero troops and zero guarantees. Presidential elections will be held in South Cyprus, but it will make no difference, whoever is selected. The president has to obey the decisions of the National Council in the south. It was clearly demonstrated that the Greek Cypriots never wanted a solution during that 50-year negotiation process.”

Indicating that the embargoes should be removed, Ertuğruloğlu said, “The Greek Cypriot side ruined the partnership of the Cyprus Republic, and the UN shut its eyes to this injustice. In fact, there is no legal Republic of Cyprus, therefore, we must display a strong position together with Turkey.  Turkish Cypriots have always suffered from these processes, despite wanting a solution. The Greek Cypriot side should also be motivated to work for a settlement, otherwise there can be no solution. This requires two states to sit at the table.”

Minister Ertuğruloğlu repeated that if a new negotiation process were to begin, it must be held on the basis of two equal states