Talat: Bagis is making propaganda; Eroglu does not want a solution

Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (11.08.12) reports that Mehmet Ali Talat, former Turkish Cypriot leader, has evaluated the statement made by Turkish Minister responsible for EU, Egemen Bagis, who had argued that the Greek Cypriots could ask for help from the “TRNC”, breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, [during the Cypriot EU term presidency]. In statement issued by his office, Talat said that the Greek Cypriots, as he described the Republic of Cyprus, have asked for technical help from Denmark and therefore Bagis was referring to technical help in his statement and was aiming at making propaganda.

Talat expressed also his regret for the fact that the Turkish Cypriot did not participate in the recent Olympic Games in London and argued that the “authorities” of the regime should carry out an investigation on how they could participate in the games under the Olympic flag. He said that the participation of Turkish Cypriot athlete Meliz Redif in the games with the team of Turkey is pleasing, but the important thing is for the Turkish Cypriot athletes to participate in the games with their own identity. He alleged that implementing an “embargo” in the field of sports is a state policy of the Greek Cypriots, that such crises will continue as long as the Cyprus problem exists and that the important thing is the solution of the problem.

Responding to a question, Talat said that “no light is seen in the horizon” regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem and that the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu does not want a solution. Talat noted that the Greek Cypriot side cannot abandon the federal solution. “Even if Lillikas wins [translator’s note: the candidate for the presidency of the Republic of Cyprus and former Minister George Lillikas], they cannot abandon it”, he argued.

Responding to a question on the property issue, Talat said that we should be realistic and that the only way to “get rid” of the property problem is finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. He argued that if the Turkish Cypriot side wants and works very hard, the Cyprus problem can be solved. He noted that the property issue is a part of the Cyprus problem and we should not attach “vital importance” to it.

Referring to the issue of the tents where food is offered for the fast breaking during Ramadan, Talat noted that these tents are established in the occupied area of Cyprus by the so-called “TRNC Red Crescent” and Turkey’s Red Crescent. He said that the Turkish Cypriots had not such a tradition and described what is happening now as “a kind of propaganda”.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (13.08.12) reports that in statements to illegal Bayrak, Talat said that no negotiations on the Cyprus problem were left and that the issue was decreased to discussion at technical committees. He argued that the Turkish Cypriot side should work for the revival of the negotiations and should be the “motor power” of the process. He reiterated that the “current administration” of the Turkish Cypriots does not want a solution, and an agreement. He argued that only during his own term at the “office” there was an “administration” which wanted a solution in the occupied area of Cyprus. Responding to those arguing that “the TRNC will live”, Talat alleged that the “TRNC” is living anyhow, but what is necessary is the solution and peace.

Talat also accused President Christofias of moving too slow on the Cyprus problem and noted that when he was negotiator he was telling President Christofias that they should be closed in a place abroad for 10-15 days and put an end to the Cyprus problem with the participation of the UN, Turkey and Greece.

Referring to the economic situation in the occupied area of Cyprus, Talat said it is very bad, every day businesses close down, small and medium sized businesses are forced to fire people and tenders are invited in Turkey. He noted that the population of the Turkish Cypriots living in the government-controlled area of Cyprus increases every day. “People living there had run away through the mountains and the hills and came to the north. Now they are running away to the south again”, he added.