Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Prime Minister of Turkey said that the Cyprus Question must be resolved by the time Cyprus takes over the presidency of the European Union in July, 2012 and he claims there will be no concessions.
Mr. Erdogan with the opportunity of his visit in the occupied territories of Cyprus because of the anniversary of the Turkish invasion of July 20th, 1975, spoke to journalists and he threatened to stop the talks with the European Union during the Cyprus presidency.
He was also uncompromising concerning the withdrawal of the Turkish army from the island. He adds that it was proposed in the Annan Plan and they had accepted it but now they do not know if it can happen. He was also negative on giving permission for free entrance to the region of Varosha in Famagusta, but he hopes that the fourth meeting in New York will open the way for a solution. He also added that the city of Morpou belongs to Northern Cyprus. Nothing can be done concerning Rizokarpaso. He underlines that their attitude has changed since the Annan Plan.
According to Erdogan, a solution including two communities and two recognized states must be found. As he said, Northern Cyprus kept her word and voted in the referendum yes with 65% while the Greek-Cypriots rejected the proposal with 75%.
As far as it concerns the opening up of the Turkish ports and airports for the Cypriot ships and planes, he says that if there is a simultaneous lifting of the embargo he will accept it.
If the Recognition of the Republic of Northern Cyprus as a state does not take place, Mr. Erdogan says there are other options which he will discuss with the Turkish Cypriots. As far as the water and power supply of the occupied territories are concerned, Erdogan underlined that the project will be completed in three years and the power supply might be done with underwater pipes.
Ahmed Davutoglu, Turkish Minster of Foreign Affairs had also noted that the Cyprus Question must be resolved by the time Cyprus takes over the EU presidency and the American Minister of Foreign Affairs said during her visit in Ankara on Saturday, that the situation in Cyprus does not benefit anyone and they hope for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation on the island and would like to see it as soon as possible.
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