TRNC News Today 24th May 2013

PROPOSAL FOR SOLUTION OF CYPRUS PROBLEM FROM VAN ROMPUY

President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy, who made his first official visit to Turkey, gave messages on many issues like Turkey’s negotiation process, visa problem, and free trade negotiations with the USA and the Cyprus problem. Stating that a solution which provides the share of natural gas reserves off Cyprus by the people of the whole island could be found, Van Rompuy compared this with the co-operation which was created by the share of coal and steel between France and Germany and enabled the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) which formed the basis of the European Union.

Van Rompuy attended a conference titled ‘Recent Developments in European Union – Turkey Relations’ which was held at the centre of Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey.

Stating that natural gas reserves off Cyprus was an important issue Van Rompuy said in his speech that a solution which all Cypriots could benefit from these resources could be found.

Expressing that the consensus between France and Germany had been reached by sharing coal and steel shortly after the end of the Second World War, Van Rompuy remarked that this co-operation had then become the basis of the European Union.

Van Rompuy said: “If we use gas instead of coal, it can be a source of inspiration for all countries.”

PRESIDENT OF UNION OF CHAMBERS AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES OF TURKEY (UCCET) HISARCIKLIOGLU: “ISOLATIONS ON TURKISH CYPRIOTS SHOULD BE LIFTED”

President of Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey Rifat Hisarciklioglu said: “Turkey is being punished by the EU’s present Free Trade Agreement (FTA)”.

Hisarciklioglu made an opening speech at a conference titled ‘Recent Developments in European Union – Turkey Relations’ made at the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (UCCET) where the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy was a speaker. Hisarciklioglu stated the belief of the business world was that Turkey should join the European Union.

Stating that an important opportunity was missed in 2004 regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem Hisarciklioglu said: “South Cyprus has broken her promise given to the EU and the United Nations. However, Turkish Cypriots are still being punished under the economic and political isolations.”

Expressing that the isolations should be lifted, Hisarciklioglu continued: “There has been a decision making mechanism in the EU that does not require unanimity any longer. This mechanism should be actuated. A step which shall be taken in this respect will provide a serious increase in the welfare of both North and South Cyprus. This step has to be taken as soon as possible.”

TURKISH CYPRIOT ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM WILL BE OPENED

“Turkish Cypriot Islamic Arts Museum” which has been restored and organized under the control of General Directorate of Turkish Cypriot Foundations and Department of Antiquities and Museums will be opened with a ceremony.

First priority arts of the Ottoman period like valuable carpets, watches, rugs and edicts which are available at the Turkish Cypriot Islamic Arts Museum, in depots of the Foundation Administration and in the mosques that belong to the Religious Affairs Office will be exhibited in the Museum.

BARROSO ASKS ANASTASIADIS TO PROGRESS NEGOTIATIONS

President of the EU Commission Jose Manuel Barroso asked the leader of Greek Cypriot administration, Nikos Anastasiadis, to work for a final solution of the Cyprus problem.

At the joint press conference held following the meeting with Anastasiadis, Barroso said “I reiterated the importance of the progress in the negotiations in order to reach the final agreement which is expected by the Cypriots and is important for the European Union”.

Barroso expressed that they gave full support to a solution in Cyprus and in case of demand by the sides; the EU could mobilize new opportunities in line with this target.

Source: TRNC Public Information Office