Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar presented his proposals to President Anastasiades for future cooperation between the two communities, during his meeting on Friday in the occupied territories with United Nations (UN) Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Yedzia.
He spoke of cooperation on four points, between "two states" in Cyprus and on the basis of "equality", and said he would soon submit two more proposals on migration and demarcation.
As the Turkish Cypriot channel "Gents" and other Turkish Cypriot media reported on its website, at the meeting, Mr. Tatar "noted that the first of the issues concerning cooperation between the two states is related to the hydrocarbon deposits around the island"; as a second point, the T/C side proposes the electrical interconnection of Cyprus with the EU via Turkey, while the "efficient use of solar energy is proposed as the third area of cooperation". The fourth proposal of the T/C side concerns the joint use of the island's water resources.
On these proposals, the T/C leader said that "as the T/C side, I presented our proposals today to the Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades through UN Deputy Secretary-General Miroslav Yedzia. Our proposals are also being forwarded to the UN Secretary General."
Referring to cooperation between "two states" in Cyprus in various fields, Tatar said that "the first proposal I have presented on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot side concerns hydrocarbon resources around the island".
He noted that this is an issue that "causes tension both in our region and between the two sides because of the unilateral and maximalist stance of the Greek Cypriot side. We, as the Turkish Cypriot side, have always chosen the path of diplomacy to resolve crises. With this understanding, I made a new proposal to the Greek Cypriot leadership as a confirmation of our willingness to cooperate on hydrocarbon resources, which belong to both sides."
"As you will recall, in 2011, in 2012 and finally on 13 July 2019, our proposals for cooperation on this issue were put on the table."
"As you will remember, in 2011, in 2012 and finally on 13 July 2019, our proposals for cooperation on this issue were put on the table. The general rule of these proposals, which are still on the negotiating table, is to establish a mechanism for joint decision-making on the natural resources around the island, which belong to both parties, including the exploration, extraction, use and marketing of these resources, based on the principle of equality, with a committee to be established under the supervision of the UN with the participation of representatives of the competent authorities of both parties," he added.
Then on the gas issue, the TC leader said that "today, we are making another opening and saying that after the establishment of the cooperation mechanism, the companies with which the two parties have already signed separate contracts can be approved and included in this mechanism at some stage of the process. This important opening also eliminates the concerns and excuses put forward by the Greek Cypriot side. In my letter, I explained in the clearest possible terms that I, as the Turkish Cypriot side, am ready to turn this crisis that continues to negatively affect relations between the two sides and has become one of the causes of instability in our region into an opportunity, and that I am determined to implement our proposal as soon as possible."
Regarding Cyprus' electrical interconnection with the EU through Turkey, Tatar said that "the two sides' electricity systems are currently interconnected and the parties can provide electricity to each other if needed. Inclusion in the EU system has emerged as the most effective method to overcome the difficulties faced due to the increased energy needs of the two sides. The system that can be in the interest of both sides and can be activated as soon as possible is the interconnection through Turkey. This cooperation will also create an important opportunity for the transition to green energy."
Regarding cooperation between the two sides in the field of green energy, Mr. Tatar said that "through a joint committee to be set up in this context, it is possible to work together for maximum benefit from solar energy."
Tatar also referred to the prospect of cooperation on the management of the island's water resources (fresh water, drinking water) adding that "I expressed our readiness to set up a committee to be established on the basis of the principle of equality, by the competent institutions of both sides and to work for the rational use and development of fresh water resources on both sides of the island of Cyprus. I also suggested that the water delivered from the motherland Turkey to our country under the project of the century could also be utilized in the framework of this cooperation."
The T/C leader also added that "the Turkish Cypriot side will soon present two more cooperation proposals on illegal migration and the denuclearization of Cyprus" and that "with these proposals, the Turkish Cypriot side has shown not only in words but in practice that it has the will to cooperate with its Greek Cypriot counterparts on the basis of equality."
"I also expressed my readiness to promote this determination while maintaining our sovereign rights, equality and our equal international status. I also asked the UN Secretary General to encourage Anastasiades to consider our proposals in good faith. Now the ball is in the Greek court. My call to Mr. Anastasiades is this: We are ready to take positive steps for the future of our island and our region, let us work together on these important issues." Finally, Tatar reiterated his position on "sovereign equality."
Source: CNA
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