Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu stressed that the continuation of the negotiations where they were left off in Crans Montana was not possible.
Çavuşoğlu who arrived in the TRNC to hold some official contacts met with citizens in Yeni Erenköy together with Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa, Ali Murat Başçeri.
In his speech, Çavuşoğlu stated that Turkey always supports the Turkish Cypriot people and will continue to stand by them without compromise.
Regarding the hydrocarbon resources in the Eastern Mediterranean, Çavuşoğlu stated that the Greek Cypriot side continues its hydrocarbon drilling activities despite all warnings of the Turkish Cypriot side. Usurping the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people will not be allowed, and as a result, the Turkish Cypriot side has started drilling activities.
Stating that the Turkish Cypriot side submitted a proposal to the Greek Cypriot Administration in order to set up a joint commission to evaluate the hydrocarbon resources, Çavuşoğlu said that it was an extremely collaborative proposal but it was rejected. Çavuşoğlu added “I want to give a warning, neither the European Union nor Greece or whoever can prevent our activities”.
Calling on the Greek Cypriot side to be honest and openly say what they want, Çavuşoğlu said that he supports a solution which protects the political equality and other rights of the Turkish Cypriot side but a solution cannot be dreamed of with zero security and guarantee.
Expressing that for resumption of the negotiations, first of all it should be determined what will be negotiated, Çavuşoğlu said “Is there political equality or rotating presidency? Are there elements to protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people? We should determine these and start a result-oriented negotiation”.
