Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily News (online, 22.04.14) reports that the latest developments on the Cyprus problem were discussed during a meeting on Monday at UN headquarters in New York between UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot negotiator Kudret Ozersay, head of Eroglu’s political affairs and member of the negotiating team Gunes Onar, the representative of “TRNC” (editor’s note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) in New York Mehmet Dana and “secretary” Sertac Guven were also present at the meeting.

Speaking after the meeting to the press, Eroglu said: “We shared our views and opinions on the following steps in this process. We are pleased to see that the UN Secretary General also supports step by step structuring of a result oriented process.” Noting that the meeting was held in a very productive atmosphere, Eroglu said that they conveyed the Turkish Cypriot side’s expectations to the Secretary General. “He expressed personal commitment to the process”, said Eroglu.

Indicating that the Secretary General keeps the Cyprus file among the top agenda topics, Eroglu pointed out that Ban was closely following the process and “has opinions to motivate both sides”.

“We shared our opinion with the Secretary General regarding our plan to continue the negotiations and to reach a result in a speedy manner. Our wish is to see this chronic problem ending with the help of both sides’ goodwill and positive approaches. This is all we want”, said Eroglu.

Noting that the negotiations has begun despite some delays, Eroglu noted: “We need to find a solution to the Cyprus problem by evaluating both sides positions and acting with the understanding that the other side also has ‘rightfulness’. As long as our counterparts share the same understanding there is no reason why we cannot come to an agreement”.

Speaking about the timeframe, Eroglu said that as long as the program they have proposed on the negotiation table would be taken into consideration alongside the goodwill “it is possible to reach a solution within this year”.

Upon a question about natural gas, Eroglu said that they haven’t discussed that issue.

Answering a question regarding the citizenships, Eroglu said: “Discrimination among citizens is not an accepted practice anywhere in the world. Anyone who is a TRNC citizen is under constitutional protection. We do not discriminate. USA doesn’t do this to its citizens and we also don’t”, said Eroglu.

After a journalist reminded Eroglu of his words about the sides having major differences, Eroglu said: “Negotiations are conducted in order to overcome these differences. We will work together with Mr Anastasiades on eliminating these differences. Of course, time will tell what will happen. However we expect this 50 years old problem to be solved”.

Upon a question whether the Good Friday Mass in occupied Famagusta happened as a result of the negotiations, Eroglu said: “No we haven’t discussed it during the negotiations. It was our goodwill gesture. The Greek Cypriots requested to have the ceremony in Famagusta and our foreign ministry has granted this permission. We respect all religions. As long as our goodwill is not exploited and is returned we are adamant to continue these gestures