TRNC News Today 16th December 2014
Ministry of Foreign Affairs budget approved
The 2015 fiscal year budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the amount of 41 million 38 thousand and 20 Turkish Lira has unanimously been approved at the Parliamentary General Assembly.
The budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was discussed within the framework of the 2015 Fiscal Year Budgetary Draft Bill meetings of the Parliamentary General Assembly, during which Minister of 
Foreign Affairs Özdil Nami responded to the criticisms of Members of Parliament and highlighted that the statements of the Foreign Ministry as regards the hydrocarbons issue are clear and that the natural resources around the Island are a legitimate right of the Turkish Cypriots.
Speaking on the developments pertaining to lobbying activities, Foreign Minister Nami indicated that improvements were and will continue to be made to the Green Line and Financial Aid Regulations. Foreign Minister Özdil Nami also expressed that initiatives were underway to overcome obstacles to selling processed foods to South Cyprus.
Foreign Minister Özdil Nami also responded to allegations that not enough progress has been achieved regarding the Cyprus issue, stating that the current impasse will eventually be overcome. Foreign Minister Nami also criticised statements implying that there is no internal consensus regarding the resolution of the Cyprus problem, stating “There is a minimum common understanding among us regarding the resolution of the Cyprus issue. This common understanding is outlined in the Joint Declaration of 11 February 2014 which was signed by the two leaders and which our political parties also supported. This document symbolizes mutual thinking. Your political parties also approved this document. If there is any other document outside of this one, it would be far from sincere. It is important that this common approach, which manifested as a result of many efforts, is maintained and built upon.”
Minister Nami informed the Parliament of the activities underway to encourage Turkish Cypriots living abroad to be more active regarding their country and stated that the foreign representation offices are working towards this end.
Foreign Minister Nami expressed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in closer contact and consultation than ever before with the business world and that he has taken into due account the expectations and ideas of our business people regarding how to establish linkages with the outside business world.
Foreign Minister Nami expressed that the Foreign Ministry held contacts with the World Bank and EU Development Bank and relayed its wish for North Cyprus to also be granted access to the funds provided to Cyprus, adding that these initiatives will soon bear fruit.
President Eroğlu’s letter circulated as a UN document
President Derviş Eroğlu’s letter, addressed to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon in reply to the speech of the Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades made during United Nations General Assembly meetings in September, is circulated as a UN document.
Çavuşoğlu: “We want the continuation of negotiations”
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said 
that negotiations which started on 11 February in Cyprus are unfortunately interrupted due to the Greek Cypriot side’s withdrawal from the negotiation table and added “We want the continuation of negotiations”.
In his speech made at the General Assembly of the Turkish Grand National Assembly during 2015 budget year discussions, Çavuşoğlu stressed that the Greek Cypriot side used Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa as an excuse for their unilateral drilling activities and withdrew from the negotiation table.
“We want the continuation of negotiations. Today, the international community, including us, acknowledge that Turkish Cypriot people have rights on natural gas reserves around Cyprus. Even the Greek Cypriot side does not deny it, however by continuing unilateral drilling activities the Greek Cypriot side is violating Turkish Cypriots’ rights. In that case, we have to defend Turkish Cypriots’ rights. At the moment, we are working on this issue with Greece to guarantee Turkish Cypriot’s rights. In Athens, our Prime Minister expressed our position on the issue. During meetings with Venizelos, we also expressed that we will take the necessary steps for the continuation of negotiations on the condition that the rights of the Turkish Cypriots are guaranteed. We hope that our efforts will reach to a result” Çavuşoğlu added.
Eide to arrive in Cyprus today
UN Secretary General’s Special Advisor on Cyprus, Espen Barth 
Eide is expected to arrive in Cyprus today to hold meetings with the UN negotiation delegation.
According to the information obtained from UNFICYP, Eide is also expected to hold separate meetings with Turkish Cypriot negotiator – Ergün Olgun and Greek Cypriot negotiator – Andreas Mavroyannis.
Eide will host a “Christmas reception” for press members and non-governmental organisations at the Ledra Palace Hotel today at 18:30 pm.
Eide’s meeting with Turkish Cypriot negotiator Ergün Olgun is expected to take place at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday. Following the meeting, Eide is expected to leave the island.
Delek wants to make an agreement with Turkey, Egypt and United Kingdom
It is reported that the Israeli company Delek wants to make a natural gas exportation agreement with Turkey, Egypt and United Kingdom.
According to Haravgi newspaper Delek which
joined the consortium regarding 12.parcel within South Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, is trying to make natural gas exportation agreements with Turkey, Egypt and UK.
According to the paper, Delek looks positively to an agreement with Turkey, and principal stockholder Yitzhak Tshuva is considering all sorts of investment options in cooperation with other companies.
The newspaper also underlined that according to Israeli sources, it is not impossible even under today’s conditions to make an agreement with Turkey. The Company’s CEO – Asaf Bartfeld said that although there are some diplomatic issues between the two countries, Delek will continue its efforts towards reaching an agreement.
