TRNC News Today 8th December 2014

Davutoğlu: “We want the resumption of negotiations as soon as possible”

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said that they want the resumption of negotiations as soon as possible and added “We had very fruitful meetings. Negotiations will continue”.

Davutoğlu and his counterpart, Greece’s Prime Minister Antonis Samaras had a joint press meeting following the Turkey- Greece High Level Cooperation Council Meeting.

Referring to the Cyprus problem during the press meeting, Davutoğlu said “We want the resumption of negotiations as soon as possible. We had very fruitful meetings and will continue negotiations. We support the approaches which bring our mutual interests forward in the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean. I wish a speedy recovery for Anastasiades. We attach great importance to the resumption of constructive negotiations between the two sides as soon as possible. In fact, both sides agree that natural resources around Cyprus belong to the whole Island. The two sides’ approach is very important for proceeding of the process. It is important to avoid unilateral steps. I am very glad that everybody observed that a new peace atmosphere to be established in Cyprus will have positive contributions to Turkey – Greece interests as well.

We need urgent solution

Italy’s Ambassador to Lefkoşa – Guido Cerboni said that a solution is urgently needed in Cyprus.

Stating that positive developments are needed in the negotiations, Cerboni stressed the urgency of a solution for the people who are directly affected by the problem.

Speaking to Kıbrıs, Cerboni said that when you look at the problems taking place in the region, urgency of a solution is acknowledged by the International Community and especially by the European Union.

Furthermore, the Italian Ambassador said “ We have to try to be successful” and stressed the importance of making contributions for regional stability. Cerboni also said that reaching a solution in Cyprus is very important for the whole region.

Stating that the international community could only help for the resumption of negotiations, Cerboni added that, however creating the necessary atmosphere that is it needed depended on both sides.

Putin’s statements in Ankara destroyed Greek Cypriot plans

It is reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statements about the cancellation of the South Stream natural gas pipeline which reaches to the EU through the Black Sea and Bulgaria and declaration of a new multinational project in which Greece and Bulgaria will have both political and economic benefits and which also involves Ankara, overturned the Greek Cypriot Administration’s plans in this regard.

Weekly Kathimerini newspaper reported that this surprise change declared by Putin at his Ankara visit consists of a Turkish pipeline parallel to the existing Blue Stream pipeline and a distribution station which will be established on the Turkish-Greek border which makes Ankara a player of the game.

France’s stance at the Committee of Ministers Meeting of the Council of Europe annoyed Greek Cypriots

France’s stance at the Committee of Ministers Meeting of the Council of Europe which was in favour of Turkey annoyed Greek Cypriots.

Fileleftheros newspaper gave the news under the heading “French support to Ankara”, the paper reported that at the meeting France acted in line with Holland and Norway and helped to take Turkey’s theses further and annoyed the Greek Cypriot side.

Unconditional resumption of negotiations are demanded

All the interested parties in the Cyprus problem, underlined the danger of wasting very valuable time without taking any concise step, and indicated that they desire the resumption of negotiations unconditionally and intensively if possible in the first half of January.

Weekly newspaper Kathimerini reported under the headlines “unconditional and intensive negotiations in January… The UN and other parties involved are testing the waters of Nicosia about the resumption of negotiations”. The newspaper also emphasized that the preconditions put forward by Anastasiades are not acknowledged by diplomatic circles.