His position that the formal negotiating process in Cyprus can begin with the acceptance of the sovereign equality and equal international status of Turkish Cypriots, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar reiterated on Tuesday after his meeting with UN Deputy Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Asia and the Americas, Miroslav Yedzia.
After the meeting in the occupied territories, which lasted about an hour, Mr. Yetzia said, in statements broadcast in the occupied territories, that they had a frank, open and constructive meeting with Mr. Tatar and recalled that they also met with President Nicos Anastasiades earlier in the morning.
He said that the UN continues its commitment to support the search for a solution to the Cyprus problem, and stressed the UN Secretary-General's continued call on the parties to "create conditions conducive to the search for a solution and to avoid unilateral actions that may impede the search for a solution."
He said that the UN continues its commitment to support the search for a solution to the Cyprus problem, and stressed the UN Secretary-General's continued call on the parties to "create conditions conducive to the search for a solution and to avoid unilateral actions that may impede the search for a solution.
For his part, Tatar said he had briefed Yedzia on the process since April last year, and said the formal negotiating process in Cyprus can begin with the acceptance of the sovereign equality and equal international status of Turkish Cypriots. He said that they had expressed these views at the 5+1 meeting last April and that their stance had not changed.
He also said that he conveyed to the UN official that there had been significant developments in Cyprus in recent years, that regional balances and stability had become important and that they were pursuing this new policy with the full support of Turkey. Tatar said that the negotiations on the federal solution, which have been going on for more than 50 years, have not yielded any results and that they conveyed to Yedzia that the UN was one of those who knew this very well.
He also said that during the meeting they expressed their views that confidence-building measures (CBMs) could be discussed, which would benefit both sides, but which would not lead to the extension of the power of one side over the other.
Expressing the view that there is a need for new steps in Cyprus with the rising fuel and electricity prices after the Russia-Ukraine war, Mr. Tatar said, as they said in Victoria Newland, an interconnected electricity system from the northern side of Cyprus to Turkey, and the connection to Europe through Turkey, would offer great benefits to both sides in terms of electricity.
He said this will be a confidence-building measure that will protect the environment and prevent carbon emissions, will be realistic and in line with UN policies and will benefit both sides.
Tatar said Mr. Yedja told them that he would assess this issue.
He also said they conveyed to Mr. Yedja that they were looking at whether there is suitable ground for resuming negotiations by accepting equal sovereignty and equal international status, especially with the work being done by the Technical Committees.
Source: CNA
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