TRNC News Today 21^st January 2015

Olgun: “I still have hope for direct trade”

Turkish Cypriot negotiator – Ergün Olgun said that he is not hopeless on the issue of Direct Trade. Evaluating the issue to Kıbrıs Postası, Olgun made important statements. Stating that the history of Direct Trade Council goes back to the decision of the European Council taken on 26 April 2004 following the simultaneous referendum held on 24 April 2004, Olgun said: “In that decision, it was expressed that isolations imposed on the Turkish Cypriots should be ended, Turkish Cypriots do not deserve this and removal of restrictions on the Turkish Cypriot economy could strengthen the Turkish Cypriot economy and make contribution for a solution in Cyprus.” Olgun also added that as a result of this, Direct Trade Regulation, Green Line Regulation and Financial Aid Regulation were prepared as a result of the decision taken by the Council.

Furthermore, Olgun stated that in his report issued on 28 May 2004, the UN Secretary General indicated that isolations imposed on the Turkish Cypriots are meaningless, isolations should be lifted and called on the members of the UN Security Council and the other members to develop cooperation and bilateral relations with the Turkish Cypriots. Olgun also added that the Direct Trade Regulation is not related to any proposal or precondition but it is related to end the injustice towards the Turkish Cypriots and trying to make a connection of this (the Direct Trade Regulation) with another issue is the second shame towards the Turkish Cypriots.

Foreign Minister Özdil Nami receives Cyprus Turkish Businessmen Council delegation

Foreign Minister – Özdil Nami received Mr. İlker Züğürt, President of the Cyprus Turkish Businessmen Council (KTIAK), and his delegation at the Foreign Ministry, yesterday.

Minister Nami and the KTIAK officials exchanged ideas on what could be done in 2015 to lift the existing isolations on the Turkish Cypriots and increase the volume of foreign trade.

At the meeting, Minister Nami indicated that the Foreign Ministry has close relations with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and this cooperation will continue in the future as well.

Ertuğ: “Direct trade should be made possible under equal conditions with the EU countries through Gazimagusa Port”

Indicating that direct trade should be made possible under equal conditions with the EU countries through Gazimagusa Port, Presidential Spokesperson – Osman Ertug said: “We expect from the EU to overcome the Greek Cypriot obstacles and open the way for Turkish Cypriots to make direct trade with the EU.”

Answering a question, Ertug emphasized that direct trade with the EU countries is a right of the Turkish Cypriots.

Ertug: “Direct trade is our right; expecting a concession in return for this, even demanding Maras which is part of a comprehensive settlement is the product of distortion policy carried on by the Greek Cypriot side and it is aimed at changing the agenda.”

Osman Ertug said that Direct Trade Regulation is blocked by the Greek Cypriot side and expressed that overcoming this obstacle is not only the responsibility of the EU but is their ethical obligation towards the Turkish Cypriot people.

“Missing” staged at Satirigo Theatre in the South Cyprus

Lefkoşa Municipality Theatre’s play called “Missing” was staged at Satirigo Theatre in South Cyprus after İstanbul.

According to the information given by Lefkoşa Municipality Theatre, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Satirigo Theatre – Spiros Pandelidis said that they were proud of hosting the Lefkoşa Municipality Theatre once again and added that both theatres’ sharing arts and communication for many years also makes important contribution for bringing closer Turkish and Greek Cypriots.

Furthermore, Culture and Arts Coordinator of Lefkoşa Turkish Municipality – Yaşar Ersoy pointed out the 27 years friendship of the two theatres and stressed that their friendship started with Aristofanes’ play named “Peace” and continues uninterruptedly to today.