Eroglu reiterates that he wants a solution based on the existing “realities” in Cyprus

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (16.08.11) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has stated that the Greek Cypriots do not accept the geography, as he described the forced geographical division of Cyprus, created by the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974 and want to dilute and eliminate bi-zonality. In statements at a ceremony on the occasion of the celebrations for the 37th anniversary since the occupation of Famagusta, Eroglu said that the Greek Cypriots want to “drag to different directions” the allegedly constructive proposals of the Turkish side on the property and territory issues, and do not accept Turkey’s active and effective guarantees.

Eroglu argued that “if we try to solve the issues with the mentality of the Greek Cypriot side, we will force the Turkish Cypriot people to scatter, enter under the dominance of the Greek Cypriots, remain without property and migrate”.

Eroglu alleged that the demands of the Turkish side are reasonable and the proposals it submits at the negotiations are “peaceful and realistic” and provide for a viable solution. Eroglu said that the Turkish Cypriots do not consider abandoning bi-zonality, the right to administrate themselves and Turkey’s active and effective guarantees. “By asking these we do not harm the Greek Cypriot people”, he claimed and added that one could understand how vital the importance of bi-zonality is for the prevention of possible conflicts in the future, when he looks at the past. He alleged that Turkey’s active and effective guarantees do not constitute a danger for the Greek Cypriots.

Eroglu claimed that the Greek Cypriot side prevents the solution and thinks that it will bring Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots to their knees by using the European Union.

Meanwhile, Kibris (16.08.11) reports that during a ceremony in occupied Vouno village, Eroglu argued that the Turkish Cypriots have not come easily to the present days. “We have been killed, but resisted, we have been forced to migrate, but we are not afraid”, he said.

Eroglu noted that he is a person who experienced the pain of war and does not want the same pain to be caused again in Cyprus. He said that lessons should be taken from the past and alleged that the Greek Cypriots are still far from an agreement, reject the proposals submitted by the Turkish Cypriots with good will and dream of returning back to the pre-1974 period.

Eroglu alleged that the “sun of freedom” rose for the Turkish Cypriots on 20 July 1974 and that this was an opportunity for the Greek Cypriots to correct their mistakes, but they could not appreciate it. He argued that the Greek Cypriots did not shake the Turkish “hand of peace”, surrounded the Turkish villages and committed a murder in Tohni village on 15 August [1974].

Eroglu argued that the Greek Cypriots continue to commit a mistake by thinking that they will abolish bi-zonality, ignore the “sovereignty” of the Turkish Cypriots and water down the effective and active guarantees of Turkey.

Eroglu also alleged: “They think that they will be able to continue using the EU for their dreams. The time has come for the UN to say stop to the game of the Greek Cypriot side of implementing delaying tactics, waiting for the appropriate situation to be created, wasting time, and punishing the Turkish side by continuing the non-solution. A solution to the Cyprus problem should be reached before July 2012. We will continue to comply with the time table put by the UN by the end of the year and submit our proposals with good will. We wish for Christofias to take a step in the direction of the solution of the Cyprus problem by showing a real leadership example. It should be known that if this does not happen, we are not without alternatives. We have a state. Our motherland Turkey recognizes and supports us. We will continue to work for exalting our state and increase the prosperity of our people”.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (15.08.11) reported that addressing a ceremony in occupied Chatoz village, Eroglu said that there is no aspect of the Cyprus problem that was not discussed in the negotiations and added that the negotiations should be intensified and a result should come up. He alleged: “Let us either agree or let the way of the Turkish Cypriot people not be prevented any more. The Turkish Cypriots should not be forced to pay the price for the fact that an agreement could not be signed”.

Eroglu claimed that the Greek Cypriot side has not yet understood that the Turkish Cypriot side cannot spoil bi-zonality, that two “states” and two “peoples” exist in Cyprus and that a partnership state could be established only by having the above as starting point.

Eroglu said that the stance of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots is clear on the issue of the Republic of Cyprus overtaking the term presidency of the EU and added that a “historical responsibility” falls on the shoulders of the UN, the UN Secretary-General, the Security Council and the competent organs of the EU in the following months. He expressed the wish that they will follow a stance that will pave the way for a viable agreement “without ignoring the existing realities in Cyprus”.