Statement by the Presidential Spokesperson Mr. Hasan Ercakica

We have been following closely the statements of the Greek Cypriot leaders and the publications of the Greek Cypriot press regarding the works of the Working Groups and the Technical Committees launched in accordance with the agreement reached by President Mehmet Ali Talat and the Greek Cypriot Leader Demetris Christofias on 21 March 2008.

The Greek Cypriot leaders have personally stated that the Working Groups and the Technical Committees will not engage in any kind of negotiation but will only exchange ideas. However, they have recently been stating that since there have been no progress in the groups and committees and they are not content with the recent developments, they might demand the postponement of the resumption of the comprehensive settlement negotiations during the meeting that will be held between President Mr. Talat and the Greek Cypriot leader Mr. Christofias on Friday.

First of all, it should be stated that the Turkish Cypriot side is dedicated to all its commitments and the objective of a settlement. It is also determined to maintain the process which started on 21 March 2008 until a settlement is reached. This decisiveness also includes contribution and assistance to overcome the difficulties the Greek Cypriot leader Mr. Demetris Christofias is faced with.

We have stated many times before that the Turkish Cypriot side does not require a preparatory period for the resumption of the comprehensive settlement negotiations. As the Turkish Cypriot side have committed before, it is ready for the commencement of the comprehensive settlement negotiations on 21 June 2008. However, it should not be forgotten that we have agreed to a brief preparatory period as a result of persistent demands of the Greek Cypriot side which should be deemed as the reflection of our flexibility and efforts to provide necessary assistance.

The mechanism required to exchange the difficulties the parties are faced with is already established in the 21 March agreement. It was envisaged that during this process Mr. Özdil Nami and Mr. Georges Iacovou should continuously monitor the works of the groups and committees and the two leaders should meet, if required.

Therefore, when Mr. Christofias have demanded a meeting with President Talat on 23 May 2008, it has immediately been accepted without even requiring a reason to be stated.

Instead of choosing to blame the Turkish Cypriot side to overcome the difficulties he is faced with, Mr. Christofias should have preferred to share these difficulties with President Talat and search for a solution in a more sincere manner.

However, by exploiting the Greek Cypriot media organs, the Greek Cypriot leadership attempts to humiliate the capacity and skills of our colleagues who work in the working groups and the technical committees.

The allegations concerning the actions of the Turkish Cypriot committees are nothing but lies. Our representatives who participate in the negotiation process have been fulfilling their duties with utmost sacrifice and remarkable performance.

While the Turkish Cypriot delegations have been participating in the works of the Working Groups and the Technical Committees with full capacity, they are faced with requests of the Greek Cypriot side to postpone or to cancel the meetings.

On the one hand, there is the request of postponing or even cancelling the meetings and on the other the complaints regarding the progress of the works…

This is a conflict that needs clarification of the Greek Cypriot side. (rg)