Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (29.04.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu has said that the efforts of the Turkish Cypriots had been in the direction of establishing an independent “state” and alleged that they achieved this aim.

Addressing yesterday the inauguration ceremony of a “martyrs’” monument and a bust of Ataturk at occupied Platani village, Eroglu said that as a person who had seen the experiences and the struggle of the Turkish Cypriots, he feels honour and happiness with the point they have reached today. Eroglu added: “We have created a state from nothing. All our efforts were for freedom and independence. They were for establishing an independent state under the roof of which we would live. We have achieved our aim”.
Eroglu alleged that the “TRNC”, as he described the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, is a “state” and it has all the elements which should exist in a state, even though it is recognized only by Turkey.

Eroglu said that he could not accept the mentality that the Turkish Cypriot “people” are obliged to reach an agreement in the Cyprus problem and that the Greek Cypriot “people” are not. Eroglu argued that both “peoples”, as he described the communities in Cyprus, need an agreement.

Eroglu alleged that the Turkish side continues its efforts for an agreement in Cyprus, but this could only go on up to a certain point. “If those who are in front of you do not wish an agreement or if they think that you will always give and they will always take, it will not be easy to unlock the lynchpin of the agreement”, he claimed arguing that the Greek Cypriot side has not shown will for an agreement until now at the negotiating table.

Eroglu argued that during the substantial negotiations which will start in May, they are expecting the Greek Cypriot side to show more understanding and will for a lasting agreement.

Eroglu reiterated the allegation that the two sides and especially the Greek Cypriot side should take into consideration all the developments that happened during the 40 years that followed the Turkish 1974 invasion of Cyprus. He claimed that the Greek Cypriot side should “see, understand and appreciate” that the Turkish Cypriot “people” have established a “state” and a future on “their own land”. “If it does not see, understand and appreciate this, the difficulty of an agreement will come up and continue automatically”, he alleged.

Eroglu argued: “Both peoples need an agreement by which they will live side by side in peace on these lands. In case this is accepted, reaching an agreement is easier”.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily News (online, 29.04.14) reports that Eroglu, speaking today during a meeting with the Turkish Cypriot farmers association, said that the issue of land, which is very important for production, and related headings are among the most challenging topics of the negotiations.

“It is important that this community remains connected to production on this land in peace and serenity. Otherwise any agreement we reach will only be on paper. We are seeking a permanent settlement not a one which will remain only on paper”, said Eroglu.

Commenting on the challenges of the land issue, Eroglu said that the Turkish Cypriots had to negotiate the land issue with the consideration of the current situation. “Like Greek Cypriots do, we also have to care about our own situation” added Eroglu.

Admitting that there are challenges ahead, Eroglu said: “Naturally there will be certain challenges at the negotiation table. But as without land there would be no farming and no homeland, we will continue the negotiations with that in mind. The Greek Cypriots cannot disregard the period after 1974 so we are trying to remind this to them”