TRNC News Today – 16th April

2014

Özersay: “Screening process has been completed”

Turkish Cypriot negotiator – Kudret Özersay stated that the screening process of Cyprus negotiations which constitutes the first stage of negotiations has been completed and, from now on, substantial negotiations will start. Stating that during the process of substantial negotiations, they will negotiate the essentials of a comprehensive solution with concrete written proposals, counterproposals and bridge building proposals, Özersay said that they will not discuss the details but they will work to compose the essentials of an agreement for a comprehensive solution.

Moreover, Özersay said that a substantial negotiation process will be more difficult compared to the former screening process.

In his statement to the press at the Presidential Palace following the meeting at the buffer zone, which took about 3 hours, Özersay said that the next meeting of negotiators will be held on Tuesday 6th May, due to trips abroad of both sides.

Yorgancıoğlu: “Reaching a comprehensive solution can only be possible with the participation and adoption of a solution by the communities”

Prime Minister Özkan Yorgancıoğlu said that reaching and sustenance of a comprehensive solution can only be possible with the participation and adoption of a solution by the communities. Yorgancıoğlu indicated that political leaders should make the communities part of the process.

Yorgancıoğlu gave a speech at an event organized by Finland, Sweden and Norway Embassies under the title ‘Building Confidence for a United Cyprus’ due to the 50^th anniversary of peace efforts in Cyprus at ‘Home for Solidarity’ at the buffer zone.

In his speech Yorgancıoğlu said that half a century has passed since Cyprus has been a problem on the UN’s agenda and added: “We have not led a normal peaceful life for 50 years”

Foreign Minister Nami will explain Cyprus negotiations at METU

Foreign Minister Özdil Nami will go to Ankara this morning (16^th April) in order to participate in the conference entitled ‘Cyprus Negotiations’ at the Middle East Technical University (METU) and also to have high level contacts.

Within the framework of his contacts in Ankara, Nami will meet Deputy Prime Minister Responsible for Cyprus Affairs – Beşir Atalay, Turkish Foreign Minister – Ahmet Davutoğlu and Turkish EU Minister and Chief Negotiator – Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu. Minister Nami will also meet with the authorities of the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

Furthermore Nami will also come together with the Association of Diplomacy Correspondents and will be the guest of a live transmission program at CNN Türk on Thursday at 12:00.

Minister Nami and the accompanying delegation will return to the country on Thursday night, 17th April 2014.