North Cyprus unhappy with Finnish proposals

Mehmet Ali Talat

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Mehmet Ali Talat, President of Northern Cyprus, said on Tuesday that he was unhappy with proposals put forward by Finland, the holder of the EU Presidency, for a solution to the Cyprus question.
      Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, Talat said that there are "dangerous factors" in the Finnish proposal.
      Finland is trying to help negotiate a solution to end the economic isolation of Northern Cyprus, which was occupied in 1974 by Turkey, which set up a separate republic, which is recognised only by Turkey.
      A resolution would also require Turkey, which is discussing possible membership in the European Union, to recognise the predominantly Greek Republic of Cyprus in the south of the island, and to allow access to Turkish ports by Greek Cypriot ships.
     
If no agreement is reached before early November, when the Commission is to report on progress in Turkey’s membership talks, a solution to the dispute over Cyprus could be postponed for a long time. At the same time, Turkey’s membership talks and its relations with the EU would be put in jeopardy.
      Talat called for a complete end to the isolation of Northern Cyprus. He also wants an end to restrictions on flights to and from the area, and to its cultural isolation. Talat insisted further that North Cypriots be allowed to take part in the activities of EU institutions as full-fledged members.
      However, he said that he has a constrictive attitude toward the current negotiations. In Brussels he met with EU leaders for talks about the situation.
      "Perhaps our frustration has been heard. My hopes are not as high as before, but hope still exists", Talat said when asked about the possibilities to resolve the dispute in the coming weeks.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Turkey promises to take Finnish Cyprus initiative seriously (5.10.2006)

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