Spokesperson of TRNC Presidency Osman Ertuğ: “The call is made to Greek Cypriot side”

In response to the statement of UN Secretary’s Special Advisor to Cyprus Espen Barth Eide as ‘both sides should make efforts in order to overcome the deadlock’, spokesperson of TRNC Presidency Osman Ertuğ stated that Turkish Cypriot side is on the negotiating table, so the call has been made to the Greek Cypriot side.

Ertuğ said:“Eide made some statements according to his mission and on behalf of balance, because his position requires this. Balance cannot be always fair and realistic. Reality is that the call he made should be directed to the Greek Cypriot side only”. Ertuğ stated that keeping seismic research vessel Barbaros Hayreddin Paşa at the Gazimağusa port is a step taken for the solution of crisis created artificially.

Saying that diplomatic efforts are continuing in order to overcome the deadlock in the negotiations and in response to the news that the Greek Cypriot side will stop exploration drillings and make seismic researches Ertuğ said “Our approach is pursuant to mutuality principle. If unilateral attitudes continue even if there is not any excavation, it means rights of Turkish Cypriots are usurped. It will be reciprocated”. (Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS)