Minister of Foreign Affairs Özdil Nami referring to the new Greek Cypriot scenarios which envisaged giving political rights to Turkish Cypriots in exchange of territory, stressed that Turkish Cypriots already had vested political rights, thus these rights could not be matter of negotiation.
Speaking to Cyprus Turkish News Agency (TAK) on Friday (20 September) about the negotiation process, Foreign Minister Nami stated that the Greek Cypriot side’s statements to the effect that all issues were open to discussion, could have a negative effect on the negotiations. Nami pointed out that convergences and the phase where the negotiations were left should be identified for the two sides to continue with the negotiations.
Reminding that Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiadis won the elections by criticizing the former leader Christofias, Özdil Nami said what were said during the election period should be left behind and the existing convergences should be maintained.
Underlining that the United Nations also had an important role in respect to the resumption of the negotiations from where they were left, Foreign Minister Nami said both the Turkish Cypriot people and the Greek Cypriot people should encourage their leaders towards resuming the negotiations as soon as possible.
Stating that the issue of Maraş (Varosha) was part of a comprehensive settlement, Nami said Maraş could be discussed within the context of the territorial adjustment, for this reason, it should not be held separated from a comprehensive settlement.
Expressing his government’s desire to take an active role in the negotiation process and that they were in consultation with President Eroğlu, Foreign Minister Nami said, since they took office, he has been regularly coming together with President Eroğlu and exchanging views on the Cyprus issue.