TRNC Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu emphasized that the conditions to return to the negotiating table cannot be met until the Greek Cypriot side apologize to the Turkish Cypriot people and accept them as their equal partners.
Stating that the Greek Cypriot side insulted the Turkish Cypriot people, Ertuğruloğlu said that they have to apologize.
Speaking to BRT, Foreign Minister Ertuğruloğlu evaluated the Cyprus negotiations process and answered a few questions.
Indicating that the Republic of Cyprus was established in 1960 between the two politically equal partners, Ertuğruloğlu said that the only minorities on this island are the Armenians and the Maronites.
Pointing out that political equality is one of the established UN parameters for a solution in Cyprus, as well as being part of the 11 February joint declaration, Ertuğruloğlu said that Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades’ statement that “a minority cannot be balanced with a majority” was wrong, and failed to acknowledge this principle of political equality. Ertuğruloğlu reiterated that the negotiations should be held on a state to state basis, and that expressing such a view does not constitute ‘being opposed to a solution.’ He added that begging for a solution will not bring about a solution, and the Turkish Cypriot people are tired of such an approach. …
Referring to the social meeting that will be held between the two leaders, Ertuğruloğlu said that although they are not against such meetings, they will not allow the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people to be transformed into minority rights.
Arguing that the intention of the Greek Cypriot side is to isolate the Turkish Cypriot people from the world, Ertuğruloğlu said that the Greek Cypriots want to waste Turkish Cypriots’ time and maintain the status quo, and that is why they keep perpetuating an open-ended negotiation process.