Cavusoglu: Turkey prefers for the Cyprus talks to take place at the Foreign Ministry level rather than with undersecretaries
Turkish daily Sabah (online, 16.03.14) reported that Turkey’s EU Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, evaluating the present state of relations with the EU in an interview to the paper, said: “The opening of chapter 22 of negotiations during 2013 has created a more positive atmosphere in Turkey’s relations with the EU. In September of the past year, our Prime Minister announced a comprehensive democratization package. The signing of the readmission agreement as well as visa free travel agreements has contributed to the positive relations. We are aiming for this to continue and have repeatedly said that 2014 will be the year of the EU. During our visits to Brussels, Berlin and Rome this year, as well as the state visits of the Presidents of France, Spain and Romania to Ankara, we made clear that Turkey wants the EU negotiation process to be accelerated and the message was received warmly by other leaders.

For 2014 to be the year of the EU, the reform process will continue at full speed. Parliament passing the fifth judicial reform package the day before the recess for local elections and the Cabinet approving the action plan on the prevention of human rights abuses shows our determination to continue the reform process. We will continue this reform process.”

Referring to the chapters 23 and 24, Cavusoglu said: “While we do expect new chapters to open in 2014 we are not entirely certain as to whether this will happen under the presidency of Greece because we have not yet seen a positive step taken by Greece. As a result, both sides are keen for chapters to open. There are still chapters that are being blocked by Southern Cyprus [editor’s note: as he refers to the Republic of Cyprus]. We expect the EU to take concrete steps and set the tone on this matter.”

Asked to evaluate the new negotiation process in Cyprus, Cavusoglu said: “The new peace process in Cyprus is a promising development. We, as Turkey, would prefer for these negotiations to take place at the Foreign Ministry level rather than with undersecretaries.

However, the Greek side did not view this favourably. During this period both sides need to take steps to build confidence and everyone ought to lend political support. Turkey is approaching this period with sincerity, support and hope. The stance of the Greek side, being one of ‘first give us the Maras region [editor’s note: the fenced off town of occupied Varosha] then the blockade on chapters will be lifted’ is not a constructive approach towards peace. Even if the Greek side has good intentions, not every negotiation issue is a relevant prerequisite for peace. Our wish is for a comprehensive package, including military withdrawal from the island, to be put forth for negotiation. Once an agreement has been reached, it can then be taken to a referendum. We have an opportunity now for peace and stability for both sides, which ought not to be misused.”