Minister of Foreign Affairs Özdil Nami met with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu on Saturday (14 September 2013) in İstanbul.
Speaking before the meeting, which took place at Hilton Hotel, Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoğlu stated that Turkey would always and under every circumstances be by the side of Turkish Cypriots as well as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Referring to his meeting last Friday (13 September) with Alexander Downer, the UN Secretary General’s Special Advisor on Cyprus, Davutoğlu said they discussed the steps to be taken with regard to the negotiations and within this framework his meeting with TRNC Foreign Minister was timely.
Expressing hope that also the Greek Cypriot side would not miss this opportunity for reaching a settlement in Cyprus and the belief that a comprehensive settlement would be possible, Davutoğlu said: “Republic of Turkey would always and under every circumstances be by the side of Turkish Cypriots and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Your tranquility, peace, prosperity and security means ours. I hope that we can reach a comprehensive settlement together”.
Speaking for his part , TRNC Foreign Affairs Minister Özdil Nami pointed out that he paid his first visit abroad to Turkey as part of a tradition, which he was proud and pleased to continue.
Underlining that the existing close cooperation and collaboration with Turkey would continue Nami said : “The Cyprus issue has reached a very critical turning point. The Turkish Cypriot people is rightfully demanding their legitimate status in the world to be clarified. This political uncertainty should not continue. We have a strong desire to integrate with the rest of world. We want the international community to pay close attention to this desire.”
Foreign Minister Nami emphasizing that the Turkish Cypriot people have done their utmost to reach a settlement in Cyprus said, Turkey has always been supporting these efforts.
Pointing out that the Greek Cypriot side with its “no” vote for the comprehensive UN settlement plan caused an uncertainty in Cyprus, he said:
“It is high time for us to put an end to this situation in cooperation. We strongly support a federal solution in Cyprus. All our efforts are directed towards this goal however, naturally, this can only be possible with a positive response of the Greek Cypriot side. The Greek Cypriot side should do it’s part and carry out its responsibilities. Aware of its responsibility, UN should also support our positive efforts. I have no doubt that we shall take these efforts forward with cooperation.”
Meanwhile, speaking to Turkish news agency (TAK) , following an hour long meeting Nami said, they exchanged views and discussed the recent phase reached in the Cyprus negotiations and the path to be followed in particular. Stating that they also discussed how to shape the cooperation through joint steps Nami said, on 22 December, he would be in New York with President Derviş Eroğlu. Foreign Minister Nami said Mr. Davutoğlu would also be in New York with his delegation and they agreed to continue to exchange views there.
Responding to a question whether Maraş (Varoşa) issue was discussed during his meeting with Davutoğlu, Nami said: “Maraş is not an agenda point for us. We are in full consensus with Turkey that Maraş is part of a comprehensive settlement.”