Cavusoglu: There is a positive atmosphere for a solution in Cyprus and determination in both sides
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (26.08.15) reports that Emine Colak, self-styled foreign minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, met yesterday in Ankara with Mevlut Cavusoglu, Turkish Foreign Minister.
In statements after signing a “memorandum of understanding” for cooperation in the field of information technologies, Cavusoglu reiterated the Turkish allegation that Turkey has always been supporting the negotiating process in Cyprus and a just and lasting solution. He said: “We wish for the positive atmosphere we are seeing on the island to be used well and we hope that this will be reflected to the solution. We wish for this process to be intensified and continue. We are seeing this determination in both sides and we are happy for this”.

Cavusoglu noted that during their meeting they discussed the ongoing negotiating process in Cyprus and pointed out that for the first time the two sides on the island are working intensively in spite of the summer vacations. Arguing that “important distance” has been covered during this work, Cavusoglu said that their hopes increase by the fact that issues on which agreement had not been reached were discussed and progress was achieved on these issues.

The Turkish Minister underlined the importance of the support of the international community, the EU and Greece to this process and argued that this support should be “visible”.

Cavusoglu said that their economic and political support to the “TRNC”, as he described the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, will continue and that they are offering technical support for strengthening all the “institutions” of the breakaway regime. He described the “memorandum” signed yesterday as an example of this support.

Cavusoglu further announced that the Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister, Naci Koru will illegally visit the occupied area of Cyprus within the forthcoming days to discuss the details of the support Turkey will offer to the self-styled foreign ministry.

Recalling Colak’s meetings with President Erdogan, Prime Minister Davutoglu and EU Affairs Minister Bozkir, Cavusoglu said that they will together continue their efforts for the lifting of the so-called isolation of the breakaway regime. He noted that the regime has 24 “representation offices” in 20 countries and leaders or politicians from third countries visit the occupied area of Cyprus. He added that Turkey’s “cooperation and support” will continue in all fields internationally and especially in the breakaway regime’s membership in international organizations.

Colak, on her part, said that a “new Cyprus”, which will be created after the solution, will be a member of the EU. “Even though the Greek Cypriot side has completed its efforts in this direction, we as Turkish Cypriots have a lot of work to do”, she argued adding that they see Turkey’s experience on this issue as a “point for cooperation”.

Referring to the “memorandum of understanding” signed between Turkey and the regime, Colak said that this is a product of their solidarity and consensus. “We need such contributions and openings either there is a solution [to the Cyprus problem] or not”, she added.

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (26.08.15) reports that Colak met also with Davutoglu and Erdogan yesterday.