Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said that the ongoing bilateral talks between the leaders of north and south Cyprus are the last chance to end the division of the island.
Speaking on a television program on Friday night, Davutoglu answered questions regarding the recent developments. He attached particular significance to the negotiations, which have lasted for about 10 months between Mehmet Ali Talat and Dimitris Christofias. “Either the status quo will change, which is what we want, or we all together will be forced to think about alternatives,” he said, adding that those alternatives would not be able to solve the issue completely but that Turkey can no longer accept the “unfair” embargoes imposed on the TRNC.
Davutoglu had harsh criticism of the Greek side’s stance in the talks. “The Turkish side always had a constructive approach, but we sometimes had difficulty understanding if the Greeks really want peace or if they are trying to get a solution that will only meet their expectations.”
Commenting on Turkey-European Union relations as well, the Turkish foreign minister stated he was hopeful about the development of relations in the coming one-and-a-half years because three pro-Turkey EU member states, Sweden, Spain, and Belgium, will be chairing the European Council during that time. Asked about why the relations are not as healthy as desired, Davutoglu said the problems are mainly occurring with the European Parliament and European Council. “We can sit and talk with the [European] Commission, but we do not exist in the council or in the parliament. That is why we face some hindrances, no matter what is done,” he said.
Davutoglu lastly noted that Turkey’s sole wish is to be treated fairly and equally to other candidates, Today’s Zaman reported.
