Statement by the Presidential Spokesperson Mr. Hasan Ercakica

You all know that the negotiation process concerning the Cyprus problem will start on 3 September 2008. The preparation works regarding the issue will be carried out during the meeting that is to be held between Mr. Iacovou and Mr. Nami next week. Therefore, I have to reiterate that the news items published on this issue are nothing but speculations.

Meanwhile, we closely follow the fact that, following the recent developments in Georgia, our world is being dragged into an environment of “cold war” or “bipolarization” again. We have to take into consideration that these developments might have repercussions over the Cyprus problem and that these developments might even be important for the future political structuring in our region.

It should not be forgotten that the solution found for the Cyprus problem during the period between 1959 and 1960 or the political problems created by the following Greek Cypriot attacks were both inspired by the international environment. Changing their shape in line with the international environment, they have caused the Cyprus problem to survive until today. We can even say that the current status in Cyprus is the result of the international environment of then.

Therefore, if the political arena of the world is going to be restructured, the interests and the conditions of existence of the Turkish Cypriot people need to be protected and developed within this environment. We follow and evaluate these developments with utmost care.

In fact, these developments are clear indications of the fact why we are seeking an early and just solution to the Cyprus problem. So as not to be influenced much by such developments, it is important to have a stable political structure that is supported by treaties. Therefore, taking into consideration the realities of the world, the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots should reach a just settlement in order to minimize the impact of the probable chaos that might occur in our region.

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Even before the negotiations start, the Greek Cypriot side and Mr. Demetris Christofias would like to consider not only Morphou (Güzelyurt) but many issues such as Karpasia (Karpaz) and Varosha (Maraş) in their pocket as well…DESPITE FEELING SORRY FOR THEM, WE HAVE TO SAY THAT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE.

The Greek Cypriot side may also demand to move forward starting from the Annan Plan it has rejected by voting “no”. It is not possible to reach a kind of settlement the Turkish Cypriot people will accept by employing such a method.

It can be claimed that efforts should be spent to change the “no” vote of the Greek Cypriot side to the Annan Plan to a “yes” vote. However, it should also not be forgotten that a settlement plan the Turkish Cypriots will vote “yes” again should be produced and that the Turkish Cypriot people have been experiencing serious disappointment as a result of what happened after 2004. We are not after making the Greek Cypriots pay for their “no” vote, but we are after reaching a solution. However, no one should consider that the Turkish Cypriots are ready to pay for new costs because of their “yes” vote.