AVCI EVELUATES THE UN SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI MOON’S REPORT ON CYPRUS
“THE LANGUAGE USED ON ISOLATION IN THE REPORT  DOES NOT REFLECT THE REALITY”

The Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Turgay Avcý evaluated the UN Secretary General Ban Ki  Moon’s  report issued on 7 June  2008 on Cyprus to the Security Council and said the language used on isolation  in the report did not reflect the reality and was disappointing.

Avcý in a statement made on 7 June  pointed out that  it was important to bring to the attention of the public opinion several issues while a more detailed study  on the report was continuing.

Avci said that the language used on isolation in the 45. Article of the report  and the Secretary-General’s call, was far from  reflecting the realities about the isolation on economic, social, cultural and sportive  activities. Avci said  by taking into consideration the reality that  no concrete step was taken on the lifting of the isolation and no development was achieved,  it could be said that  the Secretary-General’s approach on the issue  has caused disappointment amongst the Turkish Cypriots.

Avcý added that the expression in the report saying that  “the establishment of economic, social, cultural, sporting or similar ties and contacts will help ease the sense of isolation felt by the Turkish Cypriots” showed that  a realistic evaluation of the problem was not made.  Avcý said  when compared with the  previous  report, this expression has showed that  the Secretary-General has taken a step backwards on the issue of isolation.

Avcý said  although the report “refers to a bicommunal, bizonnal  settlement   to be found to the Cyprus issue it did not  openly express that a new partnership was going  to be established on the bases of  the existing, agreed  UN  parameters and body of work.

THE UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s Report on Cyprus

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in his report issued on 7 June  2008 on Cyprus, said: “a window of opportunity for Cypriots to finally resolve the Cyprus problem is clearly open”.

Ban in his report  stated that in spite of the positive developments on the island   a comprehensive settlement could not be established yet and the UN Peace Keeping Force (UNFICYP) continued to play an important role on the island. Thus,  the Secretary-General  recommended the  extension of   the mandate of the UNFICYP for additional six months until  15 December 2008.

Ban in his repot summarized  the developments from 16 November 2007  to  23 May 2008,  and said it is “particularly heartening” that the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities have taken important steps towards resuming negotiations.

“What is especially encouraging is that the leaders reconfirmed, at their meeting on the 23rd of May, the broad outline of a solution, based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined by the Security Council in its relevant resolutions” the UN Chief said.

The UN Chief called on the members of the technical committees and the working groups  to build on the momentum  the two leaders  created as the result of the 23 May meeting, and  reminded that the two leaders would   evaluate the results of their studies in   the middle of June. Ban underlining the importance of the meeting to be made between the two leaders in June the Secretary-General  reiterated  his determination to help the two leaders to rapidly   start the negotiations. Ban also expressed his   intention of  the appointment  of  a Special  Adviser after the initial preparatory phase. 

The UN Secretary-General also stated that: “The establishment of economic, social, cultural, sporting or similar ties and contacts will help ease the sense of isolation felt by the Turkish Cypriot community and benefit all Cypriots by helping to build trust. It will also impact positively on the ongoing efforts.”

FOREIGN MINISTER AVCI: “TURKISH CYPRIOTS WANT A PEACEFUL SOLUTION”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Turgay Avcý stating that Turkish Cypriots desired a peaceful solution where there won’t be any conflicts and wars said they had proved this during April 2004 referendum. Avcý added that Turkish Cypriots should have equal political rights with Greek Cypriots in any solution to be found to the Cyprus problem.

Speaking on a news program on Turkish State Television (TRT-1) Foreign Minister Avcý evaluated the latest developments on the Cyprus problem.

Reminding that the EU had failed to honor its promises to the Turkish Cypriot people due to obstructive efforts of the Greek Cypriot administration, Avcý said that efforts were continuing to have the isolation of North Cyprus removed.

He said that a case filed in the UK on launching direct flights to and from the TRNC was still continuing.

Pointing out that there are series of parameters on the Cyprus problem jointly established with Turkey, the Foreign Minister said that the Turkish Cypriot side was ready for a bi-communal, bi-zonal federal solution based on the political equality of the two sides, two founding entities and the continuation of Turkey’s effective guarantee.

Stating that the Greek Cypriot side’s economic power, its EU membership and the church’s influence were all factors which pushed the Cyprus Problem down the path of non-solution, Avcý said that the negotiations process was resumed with the election of Demetris Christofias as the new Greek Cypriot leader.

Avcý also said that important developments, especially in the fields of tourism and education were expected in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the coming years.