T/Cypriot Leader briefs Council on Cyprus New York Summit

Eroglu briefed the so-called People’s Council on the negotiations’ process prior to the forthcoming New York summit
Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (17.10.11) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu briefed on Saturday the so-called People’s Council about the latest developments in the negotiations for the Cyprus problem, prior to his meeting with President Demetris Christofias and the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in New York at the end of October.

Eroglu claimed that following the explosion at the Mari Naval Basis, and due to the government and economic difficulties occurred, the political support which President Christofias enjoys decreased. “It is not possible to sign an agreement if he has no power behind him”, he stated and accused Christofias of playing with time.

He also alleged that the Turkish side cannot be the side to be blamed for the fact that the negotiations are still continuing and added that they are exerting efforts not to be the side to be blamed. He stated that they will participate in the end of October summit having confidence in themselves and knowing that with the steps taken and the proposals put forward by the Turkish side, the Turkish Cypriots are protected in the best way possible.

Eroglu stated that conducting a tripartite summit was a proposal of the Turkish side and added that it is very important that 4 tripartite meetings will be held before the end of this year. He went on and added the discussion of the Cyprus problem before the international community with this kind of meetings causes movement in the procedure.

Referring to the conducting of oil drilling by the Republic of Cyprus, Eroglu said that he wanted to send an open message: That no one should expect that the Turkish Cypriots will sit and watch the developments. He said that if today the Turkish Cypriots do not take decisive steps, then their rights will be eroded. He also called on the Greek Cypriot side to stop taking steps, such as the oil drilling, which create problems to the negotiations.

Finally Eroglu stated that the Turkish Cypriots authorized him to make an agreement. However, they did not authorize him to sign any kind of agreement.

In addition, illegal Bayrak (online, 15.10.11) broadcast that during the meeting held by President Christofias and Eroglu on Friday, within the framework of the intensified Cyprus talks, the two leaders discussed issues pertaining to Economy, EU Matters and the internal aspects of security, in addition to the chapters of Property, Territory- Governance and Power-Sharing.

Speaking after the meeting, Eroglu said that they had agreed on tasking their experts with resolving a few remaining problems regarding the issues discussed in relation to Economy, EU Matters and the internal aspects of security.

The two leaders will have two more scheduled meetings ahead of the tripartite summit.
The next meeting of the leaders will be held on Wednesday the 19th of October.