KUCUK: ‘ UK IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CYPRUS ISSUE’

Prime Minister Irsen Kucuk said that UK is responsible for Cyprus issue, especially on the issue of confidence building measures and both communities’ living together. Prime Minister Irsen Kucuk met Vice President of UK’s Liberal Democrat Party Simon Hughes who has been making contacts in the TRNC. The meeting was realized in the TRNC Assembly. In his statement, Kucuk expressed his satisfaction for seeing Hughes in the TRNC. Kucuk noticed to the importance of UK and said that as a guarantor country, UK has a very good relation with Cyprus.

Moreover, Kucuk noticed that Turkish Cypriots are respectful for UN resolutions as ‘bizonality, Turkey’s active and effective guarantee’.

In his speech, Hughes expressed his satisfaction for visiting the TRNC. Hughes introduced his delegation and explained the reason for visiting the island. Noticing that he has been following the Cyprus problem for more than 40 years, Hughes expressed his disappointment for not reaching a solution in the island and added that as a guarantor country, UK government should be more pro-active and fruitful for reaching a solution in the island.
Expressing that they are ready to give all kind of support and to encourage both side for the solution of Cyprus problem, Hughes said that they visited the Greek Cypriot side a short while ago and realized meetings.

Expressing his disappointment for not reaching a solution as a result of UN initiatives, Hughes added ‘ We are ready to do whatever is necessary for this beautiful island which has connection with different cultures and has a very important position in the Mediterranean. We will do whatever is necessary in New York, Brussels and London’.

Hughes who arrived at the TRNC from Ercan Airport will continue his contacts today. Within this framework, Hughes will visit the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and Socialist Democracy Party (TDP) today.

GREECE IN PREPERATION FOR A ROCKET EXERCISE IN CRETE

Greece Air and Navy Forces will make an exercise offshore of Crete. In the scope of the exercise, Greek war planes and warcrafts will defuse the enemy by using ‘Exoset’, ‘Penguin’ and ‘Sea Sparrow’ type of rockets. The exercise will be done on 7th of July and it was stated that a diplomatic and military delegation will watch the exercise.

OZGURGUN “BM IS IN A DIFFICULT SITUATION”

TRNC Foreign Affairs Minister Hüseyin Özgürgün stated that how the negotiations will continue is more important than whether the negotiations will continue or not. Özgürgün said “United Nations was the side which developed certain proposals in the negotiations since 1968. Now, there is not anything that it can develop. In addition , Mr.Ban also does not know what he will develop. United Nations is in a difficult situation on how the negotiations will continue”.

Replying the question of what will the course of the negotiations after 1st July, Ozgurgun said “at this level the continuation of the negotiations is not possible”.

Ozgurgun “Plan B will be implemented unless the negotiations continue at leaders level. Plan B is to continue the negotiations at technical level after 1 July or to introduce a new policy after a leader is elected in South Cyprus. But, it is too early to discuss Plan B. If necessary, it can be discussed according to the developments after 1st July”.

Ozgurgun also pointed out the importance of Cyprus in terms of those who wish to have a voice in Eastern Mediterranean.