Talat argues that Eroglu wants peace in Cyprus, but is favour of two separate states

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (22.12.11) reports that the former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat has argued that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu wants peace in Cyprus and expressed the belief that the issue is Erolgu’s worldview and that he is in favour of two separate states.

According to a statement issued by his office, Talat participated in a program of ART television yesterday morning and said that he respects views such as the above, but he criticizes them because this target is unattainable.

Noting that a short period ago he met with Eroglu, Talat said that yesterday he received the first note from the meeting and now he will be more relaxed as regards the issue of being informed (on the developments).

Referring to the negotiating process which is being held today, Talat said he is more interested in the issue of where the negotiations should reach. Talat expressed the view that the intensified negotiations on the Cyprus problem must last all day long and the sides must negotiate even when they eat.

Talat said that the internal aspects of the problem should be concluded in order for being able to go to an international conference. Noting that the UN Secretary-General also said so, Talat added that such situation does not seem to exist at the moment.

Referring to the Annan Plan, Talat argued that it had been prepared with the contributions of the Greek Cypriot side and that the contribution of the Turkish side was very limited during the plan’s preparation stage. Talat rejected the allegations that it had been known beforehand that the Greek Cypriot side would say “no” to this plan and claimed that left-wing AKEL party changed its mind at the last minute and if that party said “yes” at least 50% plus of the Greek Cypriots would have voted positively for the plan.

Talat evaluated also the so-called 21 December martyrs’ week during which the Turkish Cypriots commemorate the incidents started in December 1963 after their revolt and withdrawal from their posts in the Republic of Cyprus. Talat argued that 21 December and the period afterwards is commemorated as a date since which peaceful life did not return back. He said the problems which started then could not be solved yet and the negotiations continue.

Talat alleged that the “demolished state” could not be re-established and wished for these past days not to be experienced again.