Eroglu went to Istanbul; statements on the Cyprus problem
According to illegal Bayrak television (02.03.13) the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu, along with spouse Meral Eroglu flew to Istanbul today, upon an invitation by the Rize Cultural and Social Solidarity Foundation, where he will be holding a variety of contacts within the framework of his visit.

Eroglu is being accompanied by his “private secretary” Gokturk Otuken during his visit to Istanbul.

Reporting on Eroglu’s visit to Istanbul, Turkish daily Gunes (04.03.13) writes that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, in statements during a reception cocktail organized by the Rize Cultural and Social Solidarity Foundation in Istanbul, referred to the Cyprus problem and said that when the UN’s Secretary-General special advisor on Cyprus, Alexander Downer will come to the island on March 11, he will meet with him as well as with the Greek Cypriot leader.

Stating that the Turkish Cypriot side is in favour of the continuation of the negotiation process that will yield to a result, Eroglu stressed the need for reaching a fair and lasting agreement which will be based on the existing “realities” in Cyprus.

Eroglu went on and alleged that “south Cyprus”, as he called the Republic of Cyprus, is unwilling to share the reserves of oil and natural gas to be found. He added that the Greek Cypriots did not even want to evaluate the proposal of the Turkish side for the transferring and marketing of the oil and natural gas to be found, via Turkey.

Referring to Anastasiades’ election, Eroglu said that he called Anastasiades and congratulated him and added that he convey to him the Turkish Cypriot side’ readiness for the solution.

Eroglu stated also that they are expecting more investments to come from Turkey. As regards the water project envisaging the transferring of water from Turkey via pipelines, Eroglu said that with this project will contribute to the further development of the “TRNC” as well as to the “peace” in the region, as he said.

Referring to the negotiation process, Eroglu said he is not very hopeful about the stance to be followed by the Greek Cypriot side. 

CNA