Eroglu says that the Greek Cypriots should forget Keryneia and returning to the pre-1974 period; Threats on the issue of oil and natural gasTurkish Cypriot daily Kibris (06.09.11) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has stated that he repeatedly told President Christofias that he should forget occupied Keryneia and the return to the pre-1974 period. Addressing a ceremony yesterday at occupied Limnitis village, Eroglu recalled that some newspapers reported that Greek Cypriots will return to Keryneia [after the solution of the Cyprus problem]. He said that Keryneia was not discussed or made an issue of bargain at the negotiating table.

Referring to the issue of the explorations for oil and natural gas in the Mediterranean Sea by the Republic of Cyprus, Eroglu warned the Greek Cypriots and said: “On the one hand we will negotiate to determine together the future of the island and on the other, the Greek Cypriot side will attempt to unilaterally determine from now this future which is accepted that is common. This is neither legal or just or legitimate. What we say on this issue is very clear. The Turkish Cypriot side will not sit and watch before these developments. It will not refrain from taking equivalent steps. There could be nothing more natural than this”.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (06.09.11) refers to the same statements and reports that Eroglu described as “concerning” the stance of the Greek Cypriot side on the issue of oil and natural gas. He added that Turkey and the breakaway regime will closely follow this issue and exhibit a decisive stance. He argued that those who “hope for help” from a crisis and the escalation of the problems should know that they will be disappointed.

Eroglu said that Turkey is the country that has the longest coastline and the biggest shore in the northern Mediterranean and argued that Ankara has rights in the area which are based on the international law. He noted that the Turkish Cypriots have also rights and interests in this area.

Referring to the Cyprus negotiations, Eroglu said that he could not enter into details because of the principle of secrecy and added: “Let me say only the following: The Greek Cypriot side should understand now that it should show the necessary flexibility. Otherwise, this process will go nowhere”.

Alleging that the Turkish side will continue to work in the direction of the promises given to the UN Secretary-General and make “reasonable openings”, Eroglu said that they will not give concessions from bi-zonality, from having the clear majority in their area as regards both the population and the properties, and from the continuation of Turkey’s guarantees. He claimed that nothing of these consist an attack against the Greek Cypriot people’s rights.

Arguing that Limnitis was “liberated” after a “beautiful struggle”, Eroglu addressed the inhabitants of the village and said: “You should have absolutely no fear. This brightness, this freedom will continue forever as long as we do not spoil our unity and we proceed in our way together with motherland Turkey with brotherly feelings”.