Presidential Commissioner George Iacovou walked out of the meeting at the Ledra Palace with Ozdil Nami, the advisor to Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, when the UN SG's Special Representative in Cyprus Tayek Brooke Zerihoun announced that the Turkish Cypriots had refused to allow the inhabitants of Kato Pyrgos to attend a mass in the north through the Limnitis crossing point. Iacovou told the Cyprus News Agency that this was "very bad news, it is a narrow-minded and provocative decision" and that he had decided that he could no longer continue the planned meeting and withdrew. He added that President Christofias has been informed of the development.
Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat said yesterday he hoped a solution to the Cyprus problem could be found by the end of the year. "We aim to solve the Cyprus problem within 2008. We think that a solution is possible in this short time frame. We will be at the table with all our good will," Talat told a news conference in Ankara after talks with Turkish President Abdullah Gul in Turkey ahead of peace talks on September 3rd between Greek and Turkish Cypriots.
Ankara Anatolia news agency reported that speaking at a joint press conference after his meeting with Talat, which was attended also by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Ali Babacan, Gul said that a solution could be found under the roof of the United Nations, within the framework of the UN Secretary-General's goodwill mission, based on realities in the island and with a new partnership to be established by two equal communities and two founder countries. He stressed that it was important that the solution be fair and that the new system should be functional and viable. Pledging that Turkey would provide all kinds of support for the upcoming peace talks, Gul said, "We also think that it is right to continue guarantor status and we are insistent on it,' Gul said. 'Not only Turkey, but also Greece is the guarantor in the island. This is an international agreement."
Asked whether the status of Cyprus could be affected by Russia recognizing the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Gul said, ' The Cyprus question has aspects that are sui generis, more positive and advantageous. First of all, this question is not a result of cold war era. It is totally different from recent crisis. Secondly, Turkish and Greek Cypriots founded the Republic of Cyprus together, they were partners. Problems emerged as partnership did not work and requirements of the partnership were not performed. That is the cause of difference'.”
The Government Spokesman Mr Stefanos Stefanou said Mr Talat's statements on the creation of a new partnership state in Cyprus based on two founding states, and political equality of the Turkish Cypriot and the Greek Cypriot people do not help cultivate the appropriate climate in view of the start of direct negotiations between the two communities. He said what's more they also put into question everything that has been agreed upon by the leaders of the two communities regarding the basis of the negotiations and clash with UN Security Council resolutions which determine a bizonal bicommunal federation with one and single sovereignty, a single nationality and a single international personality, in the context of which there will be political equality between the two communities in Cyprus as the solution to be sought to the Cyprus problem. "In Cyprus there is only one state, the internationally recognized state of the Cyprus Republic and one people, the Cypriot people consisting of two communities, the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot community", he said. He stressed the need to avoid statements that undermine the climate and sow doubt concerning the intentions of either community. He said President Christofias will attend the negotiations with good will, determination and flexibility and will adhere to the principles of a solution to the Cyprus problem as they are determined in the High Level Agreements of 1977 and 79, the UN resolutions on Cyprus, the principles of international and European law and everything that has been agreed upon by the leaders of the two communities at their recent meetings. "The goal is to find a solution which will be in the interest of the whole of the Cypriot people the soonest possible", he added.
Under the headline, “Ossetia, an ace up the TRNC’s sleeve”, Turkish daily Sabah says that Gul and Talat at their meeting determined the strategy for the negotiation process starting on 3 September based on the following seven principles:
“1. Turkey and the TRNC will continue their policy of reconciliation in order to achieve a solution. The Turkish side will not leave the negotiation table.
2. After the ceremony on 3 September and when the official negotiations start in earnest on 11 September priority will be given to the constitution of the Cyprus Federal Republic. Without an agreement over the details of the new constitution, which will provide for political equality in the administration, there will not be bargaining on territory.
3. The Turkish guarantees will definitely not be abandoned.
4. The target will be to complete the negotiations in ten months time, by August 2009 at the latest, followed by a referendum.
5. The tactic of the Greek Cypriots to drag out the negotiations and exert pressure on Turkey at the EU Summit in December 2009 will be blocked. For this reason Talat will suggest a marathon meeting of intensive negotiations.
6. The new situation created with the declaration of independence of Kosovo, South Ossetia and Abkhazia will be used as a trump card.
7. The Greek Cypriots’ exploration for oil in the Mediterranean contrary to the international agreements will not be overlooked. If necessary, just as before, Turkish military vessels will enter the areas of the Eastern Mediterranean to be ceded by the Greek Cypriot administration for oil exploration.”
Friday 29 August 2008
Saturday 23 August 2008
Pyla incident
Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat yesterday visited the bicommunal village of Pyla situated in the buffer zone following an incident in the early hours of Wednesday during which stones were thrown at Turkish Cypriot properties and a bust of Ataturk was daubed in plaster.
Turkish Cypriot papers on Thursday headlined the incident accusing Greek Cypriots of “provocations” on the eve of reunification talks. Kibris yesterday dedicated most of its front page to the episode under the banner headline “Provocations”. It said incidents such as this were serious and claimed it the act of the ultranationalist neo-Nazi organisation Golden Dawn. Halkin Sesi headlined “Greek Cypriot provocations continue in Pyla”, while Volkan said “Behold united Cyprus”. Ortam’s main headline is “Agent provocateurs are resuscitated”, while Yeni Duzen wrote “Provocations in Pyla”. Kibrisli questioned the extent to which the daily lives of the residents of Pyla would serve as a model for the lives of Cypriots after a solution of the Cyprus problem. It added there was a continuous increase in the number of people who wanted each side to confine itself to its own territory, and held up as an example the Turkish and Greek children of Pyla who do not argue with each other simply because they do not play together.
Talat visited both a Greek and Turkish Cypriot coffee shop and spoke to the town’s residents. He urged them to ignore any provocations that may seek to affect the good climate between the two communities. He also visited the representative of the Turkish Cypriot community in the village as well as the President of the Municipal Council, Christakis Antoniou.
Mr Antoniou, said that “the situation was defused as soon as it was realised that no Greek Cypriot or Turkish Cypriot village residents were involved in the incident” and calm was reported to have returned to the village. Ahmet Muratoglu, president of the Pyla Co-ordinating Committee, yesterday insisted that “no political connotations should be given to this episode and similar isolated incidents should not be allowed to spoil the atmosphere ahead of the start of the direct talks”.
Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer described the attack as “unfortunate and unacceptable” and called on Turkish Cypriots to stay calm, claiming that “this is the action of some Greek Cypriot organisations which have recently increased their provocations ahead of the meeting of the two community leaders”. The attack, he said, aimed “to overshadow the atmosphere” ahead of the September 3 meeting between President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.
Earlier yesterday, government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou condemned the vandalism of Turkish Cypriot properties as well as the Turkish Cypriot media’s references to “provocations” by Greek Cypriots.
On Thursday, Rauf Denktash and Tahsin Erturuglu, leader of the National Unity Party visited the village. The NUP issued a statement condemning the attacks and claimed that “these are not an isolated incident” but “the repetition of the well-known stance of the Greek Cypriots and the extension of the claims of the Greek Cypriot side for suzerainty on the island”. Turkish Cypriot newspaper Volkan wrote that “the incident in Pyla demonstrates the need for the presence of Turkish troops on the island”.Meanwhile, the Cyprus Mail reports that residents of the bi-communal village said yesterday that there were no problems in relations between them. They said that the coverage was sensationalist and that the whole incident was a provocation from unknown persons in an attempt to degrade the good relations between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, especially in Pyla.Pyla is the only settlement in Cyprus still inhabited by its original Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot residents.
Turkish Cypriot papers on Thursday headlined the incident accusing Greek Cypriots of “provocations” on the eve of reunification talks. Kibris yesterday dedicated most of its front page to the episode under the banner headline “Provocations”. It said incidents such as this were serious and claimed it the act of the ultranationalist neo-Nazi organisation Golden Dawn. Halkin Sesi headlined “Greek Cypriot provocations continue in Pyla”, while Volkan said “Behold united Cyprus”. Ortam’s main headline is “Agent provocateurs are resuscitated”, while Yeni Duzen wrote “Provocations in Pyla”. Kibrisli questioned the extent to which the daily lives of the residents of Pyla would serve as a model for the lives of Cypriots after a solution of the Cyprus problem. It added there was a continuous increase in the number of people who wanted each side to confine itself to its own territory, and held up as an example the Turkish and Greek children of Pyla who do not argue with each other simply because they do not play together.
Talat visited both a Greek and Turkish Cypriot coffee shop and spoke to the town’s residents. He urged them to ignore any provocations that may seek to affect the good climate between the two communities. He also visited the representative of the Turkish Cypriot community in the village as well as the President of the Municipal Council, Christakis Antoniou.
Mr Antoniou, said that “the situation was defused as soon as it was realised that no Greek Cypriot or Turkish Cypriot village residents were involved in the incident” and calm was reported to have returned to the village. Ahmet Muratoglu, president of the Pyla Co-ordinating Committee, yesterday insisted that “no political connotations should be given to this episode and similar isolated incidents should not be allowed to spoil the atmosphere ahead of the start of the direct talks”.
Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer described the attack as “unfortunate and unacceptable” and called on Turkish Cypriots to stay calm, claiming that “this is the action of some Greek Cypriot organisations which have recently increased their provocations ahead of the meeting of the two community leaders”. The attack, he said, aimed “to overshadow the atmosphere” ahead of the September 3 meeting between President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.
Earlier yesterday, government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou condemned the vandalism of Turkish Cypriot properties as well as the Turkish Cypriot media’s references to “provocations” by Greek Cypriots.
On Thursday, Rauf Denktash and Tahsin Erturuglu, leader of the National Unity Party visited the village. The NUP issued a statement condemning the attacks and claimed that “these are not an isolated incident” but “the repetition of the well-known stance of the Greek Cypriots and the extension of the claims of the Greek Cypriot side for suzerainty on the island”. Turkish Cypriot newspaper Volkan wrote that “the incident in Pyla demonstrates the need for the presence of Turkish troops on the island”.Meanwhile, the Cyprus Mail reports that residents of the bi-communal village said yesterday that there were no problems in relations between them. They said that the coverage was sensationalist and that the whole incident was a provocation from unknown persons in an attempt to degrade the good relations between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, especially in Pyla.Pyla is the only settlement in Cyprus still inhabited by its original Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot residents.
Wednesday 20 August 2008
Conference of Overseas Cypriots starts with fireworks
Archbishop Chrysostomos yesterday enraged President Christofias by openly criticising his policy on the Cyprus problem.
In a speech read out on his behalf by the Bishop of Paphos at the annual conference of Overseas Cypriots currently being held on the island, the Archbishop, who is away in China, doubted as to the wisdom of the policy and called for explanations and clarifications as to whether the solution will truly be by Cypriots for Cypriots, wondering how this fits in with Talat's statements regarding the existence of two people on the island. He also said the problem was being reduced from a question of invasion and occupation to an intercommunal dispute and questioned whether the rotational presidency was compatible with European principles.
Clearly perturbed, President Christofias subsequently took the podium and speaking off the cuff
questioned the Archbishop's support amongst the people, alluding to the way he was elected to the position and stressin that in contrast, he, himself, was elected President with the support of 55% of the population and not 8% or 10%. He went on to say that Cyprus is not a theocracy, but a modern state that emerged from the Zurich and London Agreements and stressed that it is a partnership state with the Turkish Cypriots. He added that it was patriotic declarations that have led us to this state of semi-destruction and if we continue along this path in the name of religion and our cultural heritage it will lead us to total destruction.
He stressed that a solution to the Cyprus problem will give rise to a united Federal Republic of Cyprus which will be a continuation and evolution of the Republic that was created in 1960 as the common home of Greek and Turkish Cypiots. He said our aim is to put an end to the occupation and colonisation of the island, to reunite the people, the institutions and the island as a whole and to restore human rights and basic freedoms for all its inhabitants.
The issue continued today with the Bishop of Paphos saying that the President had overreacted. "Perhaps the President is under stress, but if he reads the speech calmly he will see that there is nothing wrong with asking for clarifications or even having a different point of view". He agreed that this was not a theocracy but nor was it a totalitarian state and so everyone is allowed to have an opinion. He also said that after the conference he had spoken with the Archbishop on the phone, who had insisted that his position remained in line with that of the President.
In a speech read out on his behalf by the Bishop of Paphos at the annual conference of Overseas Cypriots currently being held on the island, the Archbishop, who is away in China, doubted as to the wisdom of the policy and called for explanations and clarifications as to whether the solution will truly be by Cypriots for Cypriots, wondering how this fits in with Talat's statements regarding the existence of two people on the island. He also said the problem was being reduced from a question of invasion and occupation to an intercommunal dispute and questioned whether the rotational presidency was compatible with European principles.
Clearly perturbed, President Christofias subsequently took the podium and speaking off the cuff
questioned the Archbishop's support amongst the people, alluding to the way he was elected to the position and stressin that in contrast, he, himself, was elected President with the support of 55% of the population and not 8% or 10%. He went on to say that Cyprus is not a theocracy, but a modern state that emerged from the Zurich and London Agreements and stressed that it is a partnership state with the Turkish Cypriots. He added that it was patriotic declarations that have led us to this state of semi-destruction and if we continue along this path in the name of religion and our cultural heritage it will lead us to total destruction.
He stressed that a solution to the Cyprus problem will give rise to a united Federal Republic of Cyprus which will be a continuation and evolution of the Republic that was created in 1960 as the common home of Greek and Turkish Cypiots. He said our aim is to put an end to the occupation and colonisation of the island, to reunite the people, the institutions and the island as a whole and to restore human rights and basic freedoms for all its inhabitants.
The issue continued today with the Bishop of Paphos saying that the President had overreacted. "Perhaps the President is under stress, but if he reads the speech calmly he will see that there is nothing wrong with asking for clarifications or even having a different point of view". He agreed that this was not a theocracy but nor was it a totalitarian state and so everyone is allowed to have an opinion. He also said that after the conference he had spoken with the Archbishop on the phone, who had insisted that his position remained in line with that of the President.
Monday 18 August 2008
Start of talks will be procedural
President Christofias said yesterday that his first meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat on 3 September would be of procedural nature and that there would be no substantial discussion of the various issues.
“I understand that there will be a statement on my part, a statement by Mr Talat and one by Mr Downer, and we will await the first productive meeting on 11 September, when we will go to the substance”, he said on his return from the Olympic Games in China.
He added that “during the first meetings we will discuss the issue of governance and from there on Mr Talat and I will schedule our meetings, depending on how the first meetings go".
“I understand that there will be a statement on my part, a statement by Mr Talat and one by Mr Downer, and we will await the first productive meeting on 11 September, when we will go to the substance”, he said on his return from the Olympic Games in China.
He added that “during the first meetings we will discuss the issue of governance and from there on Mr Talat and I will schedule our meetings, depending on how the first meetings go".
Monday 11 August 2008
Turkish Cypriots want two state solution
An opinion poll in the north says that 62% of Turkish Cypriots support a solution to the Cyprus problem based on two equal independent states. The results of the poll carried out by KADEM Research Centre on behalf of the National Unity Party and published in all the Turkish Cypriot papers yesterday also found that 5% support the integration of the north with Turkey, 7% the continuation of the current situation, 14% want a centrally strong federal state, and 10% a confederation comprised of two states. Moreover, 71% of the people polled believe that the new negotiation procedure will not bring positive results, while 67% said that they would vote against the Annan Plan now. The poll was conducted in July on a sample of 875 persons.
According to the opinion poll, if elections were to take place in the north next week, the National Unity Party would come first with 40.5% , followed by the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) with 30.3% . The Democratic Party (DP) would get 15.1% , the Social Democrat Party (TDP) 6.2% and the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP) 4.2%, while 31.6% were undecided. The overwhelming majority of respondents were in favour of a solution being found because it would benefit the Turkish Cypriots economically.
On the issue of the north joining the EU, 37% said that they were in favour of this happening after Turkey joined first, 26% answered that they want it to join after the Cyprus problem was solved, 26% stated that they want EU accession right now, while 6% said that don’t want the north to join the EU at all.
A couple of the papers questioned the credibility of the poll especially since the same company carried out a poll on behalf of the Greek Cypriot newspaper Simerini and found totally different results. The poll for Simerini found that 42.7% of Turkish Cypriots wanted a two state solution, 30 % supported a federal solution, 15.8% wanted the situation to remain as it is.
Yeni Volkan newspaper calls for Talat to resign. “Talat, who succumbing to Christofias, has accepted the single state, single sovereignty and single citizenship, is violating the will of the Turkish Cypriot people”.
In statements the chairman of the National Unity Party, Tahsin Ertugruloglu, said that the National Unity Party is the party which does not just limit itself to words. He said that if Turkish Cypriots want real change, his party is the party that will help “Turkish Cypriot people” to come out from the current situation.
Meanwhile Ozdil Nami, the representative of the Turkish Cypriot leader Talat, has said that “there is absolutely no convergence of views between the two sides on the issues of security, guarantees and property ”, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris reports. He added that these issues will be finalized during the negotiations. He said that the views of the sides are closest on the issues of the EU and the economy , while on the issue of equality and power sharing "we are in the middle”. He also said that he believed that the Greek Cypriot side has abandoned its position of holding “negotiations for ever” and have started to see that the beginning of 2009 would be a reasonable goal for a solution.
However, Talat's spokesperson Hasan Ercakica Speaking on BRT has said that the positions of the two sides on the issues of power-sharing and administration have become closer. "Our expectation is for intense talks to begin on the 3rd of September. The main issues on the Cyprus Problem are clear’, he said adding that the two leaders will be focusing on areas where divergences exist. Mr Ercakica said that the Turkish Cypriot side had adopted a flexible approach at the talks in order to prevent the process from being disrupted by domestic politics in the south but warned that this will not always be the case.Commenting on claims that the Greek Cypriot leader has reached a deal with the Archbishop Chrisostomos regarding a settlement, he said this "has deeply disturbed us". He said it was impossible to find a political settlement which could satisfy everyone on both sides of the divide. If he has such an intention, he is wrong. ‘If Christofias is hoping to win the support of all political forces in South Cyprus and is expecting the Turkish Cypriot side to help him, it means that we face a great difficult situation.’On the property issue, Mr Ercakica highlighted the importance of using all means, especially compensation, in order to solve the issue and said that the Greek Cypriot public’s approach on this issue was unrealistic.
According to the opinion poll, if elections were to take place in the north next week, the National Unity Party would come first with 40.5% , followed by the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) with 30.3% . The Democratic Party (DP) would get 15.1% , the Social Democrat Party (TDP) 6.2% and the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP) 4.2%, while 31.6% were undecided. The overwhelming majority of respondents were in favour of a solution being found because it would benefit the Turkish Cypriots economically.
On the issue of the north joining the EU, 37% said that they were in favour of this happening after Turkey joined first, 26% answered that they want it to join after the Cyprus problem was solved, 26% stated that they want EU accession right now, while 6% said that don’t want the north to join the EU at all.
A couple of the papers questioned the credibility of the poll especially since the same company carried out a poll on behalf of the Greek Cypriot newspaper Simerini and found totally different results. The poll for Simerini found that 42.7% of Turkish Cypriots wanted a two state solution, 30 % supported a federal solution, 15.8% wanted the situation to remain as it is.
Yeni Volkan newspaper calls for Talat to resign. “Talat, who succumbing to Christofias, has accepted the single state, single sovereignty and single citizenship, is violating the will of the Turkish Cypriot people”.
In statements the chairman of the National Unity Party, Tahsin Ertugruloglu, said that the National Unity Party is the party which does not just limit itself to words. He said that if Turkish Cypriots want real change, his party is the party that will help “Turkish Cypriot people” to come out from the current situation.
Meanwhile Ozdil Nami, the representative of the Turkish Cypriot leader Talat, has said that “there is absolutely no convergence of views between the two sides on the issues of security, guarantees and property ”, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris reports. He added that these issues will be finalized during the negotiations. He said that the views of the sides are closest on the issues of the EU and the economy , while on the issue of equality and power sharing "we are in the middle”. He also said that he believed that the Greek Cypriot side has abandoned its position of holding “negotiations for ever” and have started to see that the beginning of 2009 would be a reasonable goal for a solution.
However, Talat's spokesperson Hasan Ercakica Speaking on BRT has said that the positions of the two sides on the issues of power-sharing and administration have become closer. "Our expectation is for intense talks to begin on the 3rd of September. The main issues on the Cyprus Problem are clear’, he said adding that the two leaders will be focusing on areas where divergences exist. Mr Ercakica said that the Turkish Cypriot side had adopted a flexible approach at the talks in order to prevent the process from being disrupted by domestic politics in the south but warned that this will not always be the case.Commenting on claims that the Greek Cypriot leader has reached a deal with the Archbishop Chrisostomos regarding a settlement, he said this "has deeply disturbed us". He said it was impossible to find a political settlement which could satisfy everyone on both sides of the divide. If he has such an intention, he is wrong. ‘If Christofias is hoping to win the support of all political forces in South Cyprus and is expecting the Turkish Cypriot side to help him, it means that we face a great difficult situation.’On the property issue, Mr Ercakica highlighted the importance of using all means, especially compensation, in order to solve the issue and said that the Greek Cypriot public’s approach on this issue was unrealistic.
Monday 4 August 2008
Talat: progress by the end of the year
Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat, said that he expects the talks on the Cyprus problem to bear fruit by the end of the year. “There is sufficient accumulated work. I am expecting progress by the end of the year and a solution at the beginning of 2009. In any case, if a solution is to be found, it will be an early one”, he told TAK news agency. He added, however, that if they are prolonged, they could collapse.
“The groundwork, the material, is ready. The negotiations regarding the Annan plan lasted 1.5 months, because the material was ready. Now it is more ready. The Annan plan may not be on the table, but it is in the bag. There is also the Ghali Set of Ideas etc. There is a lot of material. I believe that we will achieve important progress by the end of the year and that a solution will be reached the latest in the beginning of 2009. Do not say that this period is short. If a solution is to be found, this will be an early one. If it is protracted to a long period of time, the possibility of breaking down and collapsing increases”.
He said that property was the issue on which the two sides diverged the most, adding that the question of territorial adjustments which will determine the borders of the constituent states was also a difficult issues but a map could only be discussed if there was progress towards an agreement.
Referring to the issue of the guarantees and security, Mr Talat said that during discussions on the Annan plan the Greek Cypriot side did not even raise this issue but afterwards they tried to present it as if it is the number one problem. Former President Papadopoulos started to put it forward as an important point of disagreement because he knew that changing the guarantees is difficult.
He said that no agreement existed on the issue of the rotating presidency, other than that President Christofias accepts in principle that the presidency will rotate. He could not confirm any information published in the Greek Cypriot press on this issue and warned against “manipulative” information published in the Greek Cypriot press urging the Turkish Cypriot press to be careful especially during the negotiating process.
Moreover, Turkish daily Cumhuriyet says the Turkish Cypriot side will try to persuade the Greek Cypriot side to accept 3 years Greek Cypriot presidency and 1 year Turkish Cypriot presidency. However, the Greek Cypriot side wants to leave to the Turkish side the vice-presidency only.
Another disagreement is over that the Turkish side sees the formation of the Federal State of the Republic of Cyprus by two founding states. The Greek Cypriot side supports that it is sufficient to amend the Republic of Cyprus' Constitution .
Meanwhile Ankara Anatolia news agency reports that a spokesman with the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Friday that Turkey retained its supportive position for peace negotiations on Cyprus, which are expected to bring Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders to table early September. "There is no change in our position and we are supporting the September 3rd process. We have always said the problem could be solved on the basis of a new partnership which would be based on political equality of the two communities, the principle of a bi-zonal state and equal status of the two founder states,’ the spokesman told a weekly press briefing. He added that the Foreign Ministry and the Turkish General Staff worked ‘closely and in cooperation’ on the Cyprus issue.”
“The groundwork, the material, is ready. The negotiations regarding the Annan plan lasted 1.5 months, because the material was ready. Now it is more ready. The Annan plan may not be on the table, but it is in the bag. There is also the Ghali Set of Ideas etc. There is a lot of material. I believe that we will achieve important progress by the end of the year and that a solution will be reached the latest in the beginning of 2009. Do not say that this period is short. If a solution is to be found, this will be an early one. If it is protracted to a long period of time, the possibility of breaking down and collapsing increases”.
He said that property was the issue on which the two sides diverged the most, adding that the question of territorial adjustments which will determine the borders of the constituent states was also a difficult issues but a map could only be discussed if there was progress towards an agreement.
Referring to the issue of the guarantees and security, Mr Talat said that during discussions on the Annan plan the Greek Cypriot side did not even raise this issue but afterwards they tried to present it as if it is the number one problem. Former President Papadopoulos started to put it forward as an important point of disagreement because he knew that changing the guarantees is difficult.
He said that no agreement existed on the issue of the rotating presidency, other than that President Christofias accepts in principle that the presidency will rotate. He could not confirm any information published in the Greek Cypriot press on this issue and warned against “manipulative” information published in the Greek Cypriot press urging the Turkish Cypriot press to be careful especially during the negotiating process.
Moreover, Turkish daily Cumhuriyet says the Turkish Cypriot side will try to persuade the Greek Cypriot side to accept 3 years Greek Cypriot presidency and 1 year Turkish Cypriot presidency. However, the Greek Cypriot side wants to leave to the Turkish side the vice-presidency only.
Another disagreement is over that the Turkish side sees the formation of the Federal State of the Republic of Cyprus by two founding states. The Greek Cypriot side supports that it is sufficient to amend the Republic of Cyprus' Constitution .
Meanwhile Ankara Anatolia news agency reports that a spokesman with the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Friday that Turkey retained its supportive position for peace negotiations on Cyprus, which are expected to bring Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders to table early September. "There is no change in our position and we are supporting the September 3rd process. We have always said the problem could be solved on the basis of a new partnership which would be based on political equality of the two communities, the principle of a bi-zonal state and equal status of the two founder states,’ the spokesman told a weekly press briefing. He added that the Foreign Ministry and the Turkish General Staff worked ‘closely and in cooperation’ on the Cyprus issue.”
Sunday papers
Makarios Droushiotis writing in Politis says that 2009 augurs well for the Cyprus problem. He says that as a result of the survival of Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey, developments in Cyprus are expected to come thick and fast. He quotes reliable sources as telling the paper that the government has received confirmation from third countries to the effect that Turkey is determined to make a move on the Cyprus problem. Apparently Erdogan told Cyprus Foreign Minister Marcos Kyprianou on the sidelines of the Euro-mediterranean conference during which the Turkish PM told him it was unacceptable for the Cyprus problem to remain unsolved and that on his part he would do his utmost for a solution. Furthermore Talat told Christofias that he has both Erdogan's full support as well as his encouragement. After Erdogan left the north, all the criticism against Talat for having agreed with Christofias died down. That visit was significant in that it was the first time that a Turkish PM visited the north and didn't see Denktash. Erdogan is really powerful now. In his monthly speech to the Turkish people the other day after his election he described Turkey's "red lines" as regards the Cyprus problem - bizonality, political equality and an effective role for Turkey as guarantor. The G/C side has already accepted the first two, but wants the total abolition of the guarantees, although there are ways to solve the G/C sense of insecurity without the T/C feeling in turn less secure.
He concludes by saying this is the first time that all the players in the Cyprus problem are ready for a solution.
Turkey:
Erdogan is completely in control and has changed Turkey's policy from "the Cyprus problem was solved in 1974" to "no solution is not a solution".
Turkey has a strong and stable government
The leaders of the deep state are in prison.
The Turkish stock exchange is in favour of the EU.
Cyprus:
The government in power has convinced that it wants a solution and accepts a bizonal, bicommunal federation.
The opposition party fully supports the peace process.
Diko and Edek, as expected, have opted to stay in power rather than to choose positions of principle on the Cyprus problem. Even the Archbishop has accepted the start of talks.
Tassos Papadopoulos has realised there is nothing he can do to overturn the situation
Talat, who has found a common language with Christofias, enjoys Erdogan's full support to negotiate freely. Denktash is weak.
It has been proven that the economy of the north cannot grow without a solution.
Athens:
The Greek government is delighted with developments.
Pasok fully supports the new procedure.
The USA, EU, Nato:
Want to see the democratisation of Turkey though the process of trying to join the EU.
He concludes by saying this is the first time that all the players in the Cyprus problem are ready for a solution.
Turkey:
Erdogan is completely in control and has changed Turkey's policy from "the Cyprus problem was solved in 1974" to "no solution is not a solution".
Turkey has a strong and stable government
The leaders of the deep state are in prison.
The Turkish stock exchange is in favour of the EU.
Cyprus:
The government in power has convinced that it wants a solution and accepts a bizonal, bicommunal federation.
The opposition party fully supports the peace process.
Diko and Edek, as expected, have opted to stay in power rather than to choose positions of principle on the Cyprus problem. Even the Archbishop has accepted the start of talks.
Tassos Papadopoulos has realised there is nothing he can do to overturn the situation
Talat, who has found a common language with Christofias, enjoys Erdogan's full support to negotiate freely. Denktash is weak.
It has been proven that the economy of the north cannot grow without a solution.
Athens:
The Greek government is delighted with developments.
Pasok fully supports the new procedure.
The USA, EU, Nato:
Want to see the democratisation of Turkey though the process of trying to join the EU.
Friday 1 August 2008
Archbishop does a U-turn
The Cyprus Mail reports that Archbishop Chrysostomos yesterday appeared to be mending fences with the government in view of the new talks due to start in September. After a meeting with President Demetris Christofias, with whom he has had a number of run-ins in the past , the Archbishop said the Church supported new efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem.
The Archbishop said he was satisfied with the briefing he received and with the positions expressed by the President regarding the principles for a Cyprus settlement. “We wish the President success, because his successes will be to the benefit of our people and homeland,” he said.
Only three weeks ago, the Church leader incurred the wrath of ruling AKEL after he criticised their handling of the Cyprus problem in a speech he made in Athens. “I know what the people want, but sometimes the people are asleep when the leadership is not vigilant. There is a risk of indifference and everyone has to be on national alert,” he had said.“Because the entire political leadership accepted a federation and so that the people of Cyprus would not be divided, it is with great pain that the Church and Archbishop accepted a federation.”
Yesterday, he said of his meeting with Christofias: “The President stated unequivocally that he will stick with his principles until the end. He will claim the rights of our people and wants a solution that people could easily survive in the land of their forefathers. We agreed on this and I am very satisfied,” he said. "I wish him all the best".
The Archbishop on Wednesday met with House President Marios Garoyian, and again expressed his support for negotiations. He also plans to meet other party leaders, and said he would seek meetings with the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the Security Council, Britain, France, Russia, China and the US.
Politis adds that the Archbishop was so enthusiastic over the briefing the President had given him that he admitted he had been told things that the President should have kept to himself. The paper's satirical column Kata Varvaron is surprised at his sudden U-turn on the Cyprus problem, a transformation that started two days ago when he said that the Church was in favour of direct talks because the Cyprus problem can't be solved without negotiations. It was too early in the day for him to have had a bit too much to drink, the writer says, so we must assume he meant it. Same when he visited the President at 8am, so the question is, what changed? Did he bewitch him? Did he make the Cyprus problem Mickey Mouse simple so that he finally understood it? Most probably he buttered him up, told him some supposedly confidential stuff, reassured him about the Churches sensitivities (ie taxes) and sent him away delighted. We all have our soft spot. Christofias may have finally found the Archbishop's. So the answer is to invite him every week, tell him a few secrets and urge him to keep his big mouth shut. Of course there's always another possibility. Don't forget the man gave his blessings to Tassos, Kasoulides, the water in the tankers and a series of other catastrophes, so it's quite possible he may have figured out what happens to whover he gives his blessings to! So if ever he comes a-visiting remember - put lots of garlic in the corners and a stone to ward off the evil eye.
The Archbishop said he was satisfied with the briefing he received and with the positions expressed by the President regarding the principles for a Cyprus settlement. “We wish the President success, because his successes will be to the benefit of our people and homeland,” he said.
Only three weeks ago, the Church leader incurred the wrath of ruling AKEL after he criticised their handling of the Cyprus problem in a speech he made in Athens. “I know what the people want, but sometimes the people are asleep when the leadership is not vigilant. There is a risk of indifference and everyone has to be on national alert,” he had said.“Because the entire political leadership accepted a federation and so that the people of Cyprus would not be divided, it is with great pain that the Church and Archbishop accepted a federation.”
Yesterday, he said of his meeting with Christofias: “The President stated unequivocally that he will stick with his principles until the end. He will claim the rights of our people and wants a solution that people could easily survive in the land of their forefathers. We agreed on this and I am very satisfied,” he said. "I wish him all the best".
The Archbishop on Wednesday met with House President Marios Garoyian, and again expressed his support for negotiations. He also plans to meet other party leaders, and said he would seek meetings with the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the Security Council, Britain, France, Russia, China and the US.
Politis adds that the Archbishop was so enthusiastic over the briefing the President had given him that he admitted he had been told things that the President should have kept to himself. The paper's satirical column Kata Varvaron is surprised at his sudden U-turn on the Cyprus problem, a transformation that started two days ago when he said that the Church was in favour of direct talks because the Cyprus problem can't be solved without negotiations. It was too early in the day for him to have had a bit too much to drink, the writer says, so we must assume he meant it. Same when he visited the President at 8am, so the question is, what changed? Did he bewitch him? Did he make the Cyprus problem Mickey Mouse simple so that he finally understood it? Most probably he buttered him up, told him some supposedly confidential stuff, reassured him about the Churches sensitivities (ie taxes) and sent him away delighted. We all have our soft spot. Christofias may have finally found the Archbishop's. So the answer is to invite him every week, tell him a few secrets and urge him to keep his big mouth shut. Of course there's always another possibility. Don't forget the man gave his blessings to Tassos, Kasoulides, the water in the tankers and a series of other catastrophes, so it's quite possible he may have figured out what happens to whover he gives his blessings to! So if ever he comes a-visiting remember - put lots of garlic in the corners and a stone to ward off the evil eye.
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