Siber: “Rotating Presidency cannot be a bargaining matter”

Stating that the Rotating Presidency cannot be matter up for bargaining in the ongoing negotiations, Speaker of the Assembly Sibel Siber stressed that it is not possible to step back on “active participation in resolutions”.

Siber made the evaluation on the BRT live broadcast regarding the ongoing Cyprus negotiations in Crans -Montana.

Siber reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot people have maintained their will to find a solution from the past to the present, and that her wish is to reach a viable solution.

Emphasizing that the negotiations to find a solution on the basis of a federation have been ongoing for a half century, Siber said that if the conference does not end with a positive result, parties understand that it will not be possible to find a solution. Siber stressed however that motivation is high to find a solution.

Siber pointed out that both President Akıncı and Turkish Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu have said that the conference will be the last chance.

Adding that it is important to reach a viable solution based on bi-zonality and political equality, Siber underlined that any solution must be incorporated into EU primary law.

Noting that EU citizens benefit from free movement, free settlement and property acquisition in EU countries, Siber stated that if derogation does not take place, a bi-zonal and bi-communal solution will be out of question.

Regarding the UN Secretary-General’s statement that the parties should agree on a rotating presidency in a federal solution, but the issues of extended veto rights at the federal level and decision-making should not be overshadowed, Siber stated the rotating presidency cannot be matter of bargaining and stressed that it will not be possible to step back on active participation in resolutions.

Parties present package proposals to the UN

The guarantor countries Turkey, Greece and the UK, have submitted their package proposals to the UN on the issue of Security and Guarantees, while the Turkish Cypriot side and Greek Cypriot side have submitted package proposals covering all issues. The UN will give one copy of the package proposals of the parties to all sides. The Security and Guarantees part of the packages will be distributed to the five parties.

Following yesterday’s Cyprus conference, responding to questions from the press , President Akıncı said “We are working and we will continue to work”.

Following yesterday’s Cyprus Conference, President Akıncı informed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Serdar Denktaş, Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu and leaders and representatives of political parties.

Akıncı meets Çavuşoğlu at a working lunch

President Mustafa Akıncı met with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu at a working lunch yesterday 3rd July 2017.

Akıncı and Çavuşoğlu discussed the latest developments in the Cyprus Conference and exchanged their views. They also met at a working lunch the day before upon the invitation of Akıncı.

Kurtulmuş: “Turkey will not step back on security and guarantee issues before the Turkish Cypriot community’s status on the island is guaranteed”

The Turkish Deputy Prime Minister and government spokesperson Numan Kurtulmuş has stated that Turkey will not step back on security and guarantee matters before the Turkish Cypriot community’s status on the island is guaranteed.

Kurtulmuş also said the matter of maps and territory could be handled within the scope of Turkey’s approach on security and guarantees.

Kurtulmuş, who made a statement to the press, also answered questions from journalists, and mentioned the Cyprus issue. On the other hand; Kurtulmuş emphasized that Turkey always supports a fair, permanent and comprehensive settlement as well.

Kurtulmuş said: “A certain point in the negotiations has been reached, and Turkey will not step back on security and guarantee matters before the Turkish Cypriot community’s status on the island is guaranteed.”

 “Turkey will not change its position,” Kurtulmuş added.

Source: TRNC Public Information Office –

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