TRNC News Today 14th May 2014

Prime Minister Yorgancıoğlu: “I do not approve decision of ECHR”

Prime Minister Özkan Yorgancıoğlu said that he does not approve the decision of the European Court of Human Rights which ordered Turkey to pay 90 million euros compensation .

During one of his receptions yesterday,Yorgancıoğlu said “ I hope the decision of ECHR will not have a negative influence on the Cyprus negotiations. In my opinion Turkey’s reaction was very mature”.

Yorgancıoğlu also added that in his opinion what is important is to solve the problem and abolish such matters because it is not possible to reach a result with such cases.

Presidency: “ Decision of ECHR is deprived of legal basis and contradicting with principles of justice”

TRNC Presidency issued a statement regarding the decision of European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) which ordered Turkey to pay 90 million euros compensation to Greek Cypriot Administration for Cyprus Peace Operation in 1974. It was stated that the decision of ECHR is deprived of legal basis and contradicting with principles of justice. It is also a political decision.

The statement also drew attention to the timing of the judgement stating that such a decision which was given at the time when substantial issues had begun to be negotiated is thought-provoking and it serves to give one of the two sides a political and psychological advantage over the other.

Vice President of United States Biden will visit President Eroğlu

According to the statement of TRNC Presidency, the Vice President of the United States – Joe Biden will visit President Derviş Eroğlu on Thursday 22 May.

It was stated that the Vice President of the United States – Joe Biden will be visiting the island between 21-23 May to express the US strong support for a comprehensive settlement to reunify the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality. It was also stated that the Vice President will urge all parties on the island to intensify their works.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Nami: “ Biden’s visit is proof of US strong support”

Stating that the Vice President of the United States Joe Biden’s Cyprus visit is very important, Minister of Foreign Affairs – Özdil Nami said that Biden’s visit will be the greatest proof of the US strong support. Expressing that a new development should not be expected due to Biden’s visit, FM Nami said that his visit may make both leaders feel more responsible and be questioned by their communities.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Nami also pointed out that they will do their best and give all kind of support to make this visit fruitful.

Özersay: “Decision of ECHR will complicate the issue”

Turkish Cypriot negotiator – Kudret Özersay stated that if the decision made by European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) against Turkey creates a perception of “we are not in hurry” in the Greek Cypriot side, it will create a serious problem.

Emphasizing that the decision by ECHR is unfortunate because of the timing, Özersay said “ if one of the sides believes that it gains a victory through the decision of court or any other way in the solution of international dispute, reaching a result on the negotiation table will be more difficult. In this respect, I think it is a decision which will not help us, on the contrary it will complicate the process”.

Özersay also stated that the Turkish Cypriot side proposed 3 new proposals during the negotiation conducted yesterday.

TR Foreign Affairs Ministry: “Decision of ECHR is unfair”

Spokesman of Turkish Foreign Affairs Ministry – Tanju Bilgiç made a statement concerning the decision made by European Court of Human Rights and said “Turkey will maintain its determined attitude for finding a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem despite the unfair decision of ECHR against Turkey”.

On the other hand, Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister – Ahmet Davutoğlu made a statement concerning the decision and said “within the context of the method applied and international law, we do not consider it binding, and we do not deem it necessary to make this payment”.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister – Beşir Atalay said that the decision of ECHR will not influence the negotiation process in Cyprus.

EU Minister and Chief negotiator of Turkey – Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu stated the timing of the decision is unfortunate and said “It is a decision which has inconveniencies in terms of jurisdiction, political and practicability”.