Eroglu says a deal is possible by the end of 2011

Turkish Cypriot illegal Bayrak television (30.07.11, online) reports that the 51st traditional Grape Festival in occupied Galatia started on Friday with an opening speech by Dervis Eroglu. Touching upon the Cyprus problem in his speech, Eroglu reiterated the “Cyprus Turkish side’s willingness” towards achieving a fair and sustainable settlement in Cyprus by the end of this year and added that there must be an end for the negotiations.

Additionally, Ankara Anatolia news agency (30.07.11) reports that Eroglu said inter alia: “It is not possible for us to stay at the negotiation table for years. Now, we must show our children what will happen after the end of this year. […] We wish to reach a long-lasting settlement in Cyprus by the end of this year. However, it is not possible to link a deal with concessions only from the Turkish Cypriot side. [?] We do not want our children to experience what we had faced before 1974. We are seeking a solution in that direction.”

 Eroglu’s statements after the negotiations

Turkish Cypriot illegal Bayrak television (30.07.11, online) reports that Eroglu and President Christofias held their second meeting of the intensified talks last Friday during which they continued to negotiate Governance and Power-Sharing.

In his evaluation of the meeting, Eroglu said that the two sides continued to present their positions regarding the chapter and also laid emphasis on the need to obey the principle of confidentiality during the talks.

Eroglu and President Christofias have two more scheduled meetings for this week, before giving a break to the talks until the 23rd of August. The leaders will meet on the 2nd and the 5th of August.