TRNC News Today 7th March 2014

EROĞLU: “BOTH SIDES SHOULD PUT FORTH THEIR WILL FOR AN AGREEMENT ON THE NEGOTIATION TABLE”

President Derviş Eroğlu stated that both sides should put forth their will on the negotiation table and the Cyprus problem should be solved.

During one of his receptions, President Derviş Eroğlu stressed that it is time for a solution in Cyprus now but both sides should be willing to reach a solution.

Adding that there were a few texts prepared during the past negotiations, Eroğlu said that these texts were refused by the Greek Cypriots therefore this is the last chance, and from now on both sides should put forth their will for an agreement on the negotiation table and a solution should be reached.

Moreover, expressing that they are trying to make an agreement that will be approved by their people and make their people live in peace and safety, Eroğlu said that both leaders are planning to meet at the end of this month or at the beginning of April.

PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION COMPLETED CONTACTS IN BRUSSELS

A delegation from the Parliament had contacts at the European Parliament and the European Commission.

The Parliamentary delegation consisting of the Republican Turkish Party – United Forces MP Armağan Candan, Democrat Party – National Forces MP Hasan Taçoy and the National Unity Party MP Hamza Ersan Saner completed their contacts in Brussels. The parliamentary delegation told European Parliament officials that if they provide some advantages to Turkish Cypriots then this would enable the Greek Cypriot side to come closer to an agreement.

Evaluating their contacts to BRT the DP-UG MP Hasan Taçoy said they held important contacts in Brussels. Taçoy said during their contacts they noted that there are some steps the European Parliament could take in order to bring the Greek Cypriot side closer to an agreement. Stating that the European Parliament is focused on its upcoming elections in May, Taçoy said those MPs who support the Turkish Cypriots did not behave warmly in order not to lose votes. The UBP MP Hamza Ersan Saner for his part said that the Turkish side’s views on the joint declaration had been welcomed in Brussels.

TURKISH EU MINISTER ÇAVUŞOĞLU: “PERMANENT SOLUTION TO BE FOUND FOR CYPRUS PROBLEM THIS YEAR”

Turkish EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said that a permanent solution will be found for the Cyprus problem this year and this will speed up Turkey’s European Union membership process. Çavuşoğlu added that Turkey has done her best on the issue of the Cyprus problem.

Stressing that in the case of reaching a permanent solution in Cyprus, very important opportunities will arise in terms of political stability and economic development in the Mediterranean, Çavuşoğlu said that this will be to the advantage of all sides and positive developments will affect the Middle East countries and all other countries around the Mediterranean.

TCCC AND KEBE MET IN BRUSSELS

Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (TCCC) and Greek Cypriot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEBE) met in Brussels in the presence of Euro Chambers (European Chambers of Commerce and Industry) the day before yesterday (5 March 2014)

According to the statement made by TCCC, two chambers expressed that a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem will bring considerable benefits to all sectors of the economy and consequently enhance the welfare and prosperity of all Cypriots and they signed a joint statement.

Supporting the decision of the two leaders to resume the negotiations for the solution of the Cyprus problem based on the joint statement, the chambers underlined that continuation of the problem will have negative consequences for the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

TRNC IS BEING REPRESENTED AT ITB BERLIN TOURISM FAIR

TRNC is being represented at ITB Berlin which is considered as one of the biggest and most prestigious tourism fairs in the world.

The stand of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus at the Berlin International Tourism Fair ITB which is going to end on 9^th March is made up of two parts as Culture and Information.

REGISTRATION OF TURKISH CYPRIOTS IN THE VOTER LIST POSTPONED AGAIN

According to the news of Greek Cypriot daily Politis approval of two draft laws envisaging voting of the Turkish Cypriots with the identity card of ‘Republic of Cyprus’ and over the age of 18 in the elections of the European Parliament were postponed once more by the Greek Cypriot Parliament.

An official from the Greek Cypriot Department of Legal Affairs stated that there are unconstitutional features in the draft laws envisaging the participation of the Turkish Cypriots in the voter lists. (Translated by PIO)

Source: TRNC Public Information Office