STATEMENT BY PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESMAN HASAN ERCAKICA ON 30 OCTOBER 2007

Referring to the 8 July process in one of his recent speeches, the Greek Cypriot leader Mr. Papadopoulos has once again tried to accuse the Turkish side for not being able to implement the Agreement. While doing this, Mr. Papadopoulos has, knowingly, distorted some facts. In his 24 October 2007 dated speech, Mr. Papadopoulos alleged that there is “an important expression” in the 8 July Agreement regarding the fact that a comprehensive settlement will not be reached on the basis of Annan Plan but on a new basis.

There is, certainly, no such thing in the Agreement signed between Mr. Papadopoulos and President Mr. Talat on 8 July 2007. As everyone else, Mr. Papadoploulos is also aware that there is no such thing.

While there is an agreement in the 8 July Agreement that the Cyprus problem will be settled within the framework of a bi zonal, bi communal federation based on political equality, there is no item concerning the ground that will be worked on during the negotiations aimed at reaching this purpose. Therefore, Mr. Papadopoulos’ allegation that the 8 July Agreement envisages a comprehensive settlement on a new basis, completely contradicts the facts. It is aimed at deceiving the public opinion but especially the Greek Cypriot people.

Such efforts by Mr. Papadopoulos aim to prove the comprehensive settlement efforts futile by making the Turkish Cypriot leaders look as “those who do want a settlement”.

In fact, during the meeting held on 8 July before he signed the Agreement, Mr. Papadopoulos said that, Turkish Cypriot side could bring the Annan Plan to the negotiation table and he would negotiate it. In return for Mr. Papadopoulos’ efforts to distort the written texts, we deem it necessary that the public opinion is aware of this fact.

As it is known, there is a concept of continuity of the negotiations that have been carried out for 40 years within the framework of the mission of good offices of the UN Secretary-General. According to this concept, each new initiative has been launched from the point the prior process has been interrupted. Therefore, in the light of the established practice, provided that a new negotiation process starts, it is clear on which basis and within the frame work of which parameters they will be held. We consider it necessary to inform the public opinion correctly on this issue.

Responding to a question, Spokesman Ercakica said the Lokmacý (Ledra Street) border gate was ready for opening and that they were expecting the approval of the Greek Cypriot side. Ercakica added that the Turkish Cypriot side has completed all the necessary preparations for the opening of a gate at the point.

In response to another question with regard to the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed between Turkey and the UK, Ercakica said although these kinds of steps should have been taken long time ago, it was still important that other countries take similar steps.