Cyprus Talks: Two-State solution in Cyprus on the horizon: Ertgruloglu

The prospect of negotiating a two-state solution in the divided Cyprus island could be on the horizon as an option in the near future said TRNC Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu who also blamed the Greek Cypriot side for the failure of the Conference on Cyprus held earlier this year.

According to Ertuğruloğlu, the planned hydrocarbon drilling by the Greek Cypriot side and its unchanged mentality is an indicator that a solution based on a political partnership was not possible.

In a written statement issued on Thursday, Ertuğruloğlu said that the Greek Cypriot side have ignored the rights of Turkish Cypriots.

We are watching the Greek Cypriots continue hydrocarbon explorations in the Eastern Mediterranean in amazement despite all warnings made to this date”, he said.

Ertuğruloğlu said that the launch of new hydrocarbon activities was the latest example of the Greek Cypriot side’s illegal activities and a blunt repetition of the mistakes made in the past.

Their activities are an indication that they consider themselves the island’s only legitimate owner”, he added.

Speaking on the failed Cyprus talks in Cras Montana, Switzerland earlier in the year, Ertuğruoğlu said;

We would like to use this unfortunate occasion to once again remind that the Turkish Cypriot people, as joint owners of the island, have legitimate and equal rights in the natural resources of the island. It is therefore required to seek the approval Turkish Cypriots before any exploration or drilling activity takes place”, the statement read.

He noted that the best way to contribute towards a just and lasting Cyprus solution would be to ‘freeze hydrocarbon activities around the island’ or to proceed with exploration through a ‘mutually agreed framework’.

If this approach is not taken, the Turkish Cypriot side, alongside motherland and guarantor Turkey, will take all necessary measures to secure our rights and interests, the statement read.

BRTK