TRNC News Today 20^th October 2015

Moller: “Cypriots close to a solution”

The Director-General of the United Nations Office in Geneva – Michael Möller said that Cypriots are close to a solution in Cyprus.

Möller who served as the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Cyprus from 2006 to 2008 answered the questions of the Anatolia News agency reporter regarding the agenda.

Related to the ongoing negotiations to reach a comprehensive solution, Möller said “the Cyprus problem should be solved for the benefit of the Cypriots and the region. It is time for a solution”.

Explaining that he is optimistic towards the ongoing Cyprus negotiations, Möller said “the Cyprus problem has been continuing for 40 years and it has never been as close as it is now to a solution.”

Furthermore, mentioning the refugee crisis in Europe, Moller said that the refugee crisis is a global crisis that’s why international solidarity should be increased. Adding that refugees should understand that everyone’s migration to Europe is impossible, Moller appreciated Turkey for hosting more than 2 million Syrian refugees and also criticized the European politicians.

Bilgiç: “The claims put forward about the guarantee system in Cyprus are baseless”

Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Tanju Bilgiç said, “News published in the Greek Cypriot media which refers to statements made by the Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasulides regarding the guarantee system are baseless.”

As a response to a question regarding the news covered by the Greek Cypriot media about the guarantee system, Spokesperson Bilgiç said: “News published in the Greek Cypriot media today (yesterday) which refers to statements made by the Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasulides regarding the guarantee system are baseless. Turkey, which continues to support finding a fair, comprehensive and lasting solution as a result of the ongoing negotiations process, has a known manner on the issue of guarantees. Turkey maintains its stance to approach this issue at a quintet meeting with the participation of the other guarantor countries at the final stage of the negotiation process.”

Changes in the Cabinet

The larger coalition partner of CTP-UBP government CTP party has announced a change in the cabinet in their ministries.

Prime Minister Ömer Kalyoncu announced that Finance Minister Hasan Başoğlu is replaced with Birikim Özgür. Minister for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Food, Önder Sennaroğlu, is replaced with Erkut Şahali and Interior and Labour Minister Aziz Gürpınar is replaced with Asım Akansoy. The changes were submitted to President Akıncı who endorsed them.

Pointing out that the government will continue its way with different names Akıncı wished success to the new cabinet members and he thanked the previous ministers for their services.

Akıncı: “We shared the pains of the past and now we want to share the blessings of the future with the Greek Cypriots”

Stating that they shared the pains of the past with the Greek Cypriots and now they want to share the blessings of the future with them, Akıncı said after guaranteeing the sustainability of the arrival of water to the island they can share the water with the Greek Cypriots as well.”

In his statements during one of his receptions, President Akıncı reminded that the experts said that the most logical way is to transport natural gas through an energy corridor over the island to Europe. Akıncı said it is a conjuncture that will contribute to peace and all parties will benefit. In addition, Akıncı said that he believes this approach will also boost tourism.