Talat says the EU should undertake a role in the solution in Cyprus

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (09.09.11) reports that former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat has said that the solution of the Cyprus problem depends on initiatives taken by the European Union (EU) and the international community and added that the EU became involved in the Cyprus problem and should undertake a role for the solution of the problem.

Addressing a panel under the title: “Is northern Cyprus in the EU or not” which is organized within the framework of the 3rd meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Small Business Alliance (ESBA), Talat referred to the solution process in Cyprus and responded to questions.

Referring to the European Warrant of Arrest against the usurpers of occupied Greek Cypriot properties, Talat argued that this could create big problems between the sides and it could even lead to the closure of the crossing-points.

Talat expressed the view that even though “northern Cyprus” benefits from some rights, the Turkish Cypriots as individuals are not in the EU.

Talat reiterated the Turkish allegation that the “unilateral accession of the Greek Cypriots into the EU in 2004 representing the whole of Cyprus”, as he described the accession of the Republic of Cyprus into the Union, “was not fair and saddened the Turkish Cypriots”. Talat claimed that the accession of a divided island is a shame both for Cyprus and the EU.

Noting that the EU and the Greek Cypriots are not the only responsible for these developments and the non-solution of the Cyprus problem, Talat added: “The Turkish Cypriots are also responsible for this, because in the beginning the EU was treated as an enemy. I feel ashamed of this”.

Referring to the sale of electricity from the occupied area to the government-controlled area of Cyprus, Talat said that the transactions are carried out through the Chamber of Commerce and alleged that the Greek Cypriots make propaganda and reject that they buy electricity from an institution of the “TRNC”, breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. He argued: “The Cyprus problem is not a problem that could easily be understood and solved. It is difficult to take a step towards the solution, because the Greek Cypriots are very relaxed. They are sure of themselves, because they expect that the Turkish Cypriots are in need and one day they will be surrendered”.

Noting that the Greek Cypriots believe that the Turkish Cypriots have no political will, cannot take decisions and only Turkey could enforce a solution, Talat said that the negotiations continue but the EU trump card is not on the negotiating table. Talat noted that he does not have any expectations as regards the Cyprus problem until “a new wave is created”. He said that this wave could be created by the EU and argued that it could be secured by the membership of Turkey or the Turkish Cypriots in the EU. He argued that the EU should do something and create incentives that could influence the solution process so that the relations between the two sides are not deteriorated.

Responding to questions, Talat said that the Turkish Cypriots are not in the EU and some individual benefits such as having EU passports are not enough. He argued that they do not have possibilities such as unlimited freedom of movement and trade.

Talat alleged that it is impossible for the solution in Cyprus to be found only by the Cypriots and reiterated the view that the support and the arbitration of the international community are needed.

Noting that the demographic structure changes in the occupied area of Cyprus, Talat said that the migration of the Turkish Cypriots, which had stopped in 2004, started again recently.

Moreover, referring to the same statements, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (09.09.11) reports that Talat said that the Annan Plan was “a little bit” imposed plan and had time limits. Noting that negotiations are carried out now, Talat said that the Turkish Cypriot leadership during the Annan Plan period was totally against this plan and did not carry out any negotiations