Its finally over!

[DenizIsmail]

Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots cannot insist that the minority be considered equal to the majority, President Nicos Anastasiades has said.

In an interview with Greek Cypriot dailies, ‘Phileleftheros and ‘Cyprus Weekly’, he said:

“Their positions insisting that essentially the minority will make the decisions and the majority will simply obey cannot be justified”.

Their demands are unprecedented, said Anastasiades.

“The issue of a rotating presidency is out of the question right now,” adding that “to be able to accept a discussion one should know concessions that the other side will make so as not to create conditions that increase the concerns of the Greek Cypriots, especially in terms of functionality and sustainability.”

“It’s unimaginable to discuss the four chapters, as well as territorial adjustments, to address their concerns and when the time comes for them to demonstrate political will in seeking a peaceful coexistence, they ask for more,” said Anastasiades

Anastasiades blames the break in negotiations on Turkey’s unwillingness to discuss security and guarantees.

However, he remains hopeful that talks will restart after Turkey’s referendum on constitutional changes in April. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has gained the support of the extremist nationalist group, Grey Wolves who might withdraw support, if they feel that Turkey is making concessions on Cyprus.

Ultimately, Anastasiades believes that even if negotiations restart before the referendum, no significant progress will be made because, as he says, “Turkey controls Akinci, whether he wants to admit it or not.”

Akinci left UN-brokered reunification talks in Nicosia last Thursday but blamed Anastasiades for the breakdown of the fragile 20-month-old process.

Cyprus Weekly

[turtle]

And the blame game starts all over again!

[erol]

somewhat different report on the same interview here

http://cyprus-mail.com/2017/02/26/rotat ... ades-said/

[geroff]

What do the TC really want, Im getting confusing conversations , some just dont know what they really want, just keep saying they are all Cypriots, yes I understand that, but what is it they are saying? That they can live with a Greek run island ? Lose their identity? .. It baffles me when they dont actually say how it should be , or how they would like it to become, just that they are Cypriots. ...

[kaiserphil]

somewhat different report on the same interview here

http://cyprus-mail.com/2017/02/26/rotat ... ades-said/

Worth reading, for the comments especially.

[cjtill]

The posting is somewhat incorrect in saying "it's finally over" ....it has, and never will be, finally over, as we all know that there is still one last chance for peace talks to succeed.
Michael

[Skybluearmy]

And Coventry will qualify for the Champions League! Dream on Mick!

[MoonageDaydream]

"What do the TC really want?"

Well they don't want to become a part of Turkey, and they don't want to be dominated by Greek Cypriots either.
Sounds straightforward to me, a federal Cyprus with most powers devolved top the two states, but with one international presence. A bit like Belgium, Switzerland or Germany on a smaller scale.

...but whether the talks can deliver that is anyone's guess!

[Deniz1]

Its not over until the fat lady sings who ever she is!

[kerry 6138]

Its not over until the fat lady sings who ever she is!

Maybe Frau Merkel, EU also claims TRNC has part of its territory.

[DenizIsmail]

Both leaders say they are ready to return to the negotiations. Christodoulides was asked if UN Special Envoy to Cyprus Espen Barth Eide made any suggestions as to how to restart the negotiations. He replied that those ideas should be put to the person who walked away from the talks, meaning President Mustafa Akinci.

One member put it:

GCs will never let this process go as it's the only method of keeping us locked into a political circle of time wasting, it fulfills their UN obligation, it prevents the TRNC from officially being able to use it as an excuse and go it's own way, and above all it proves their existence and the hijacking of the Republic of Cyprus under their control. The TRNC needs to be bold, needs to set a deadline, which to be honest should have been the Annan Plan referendum, and needs to voice it's blame on the EU for further dividing the island in 2004. The TRNC has all the reasons in the world to set the road on self determination as a recognised breakaway state, but it closes not to! We are stuck unless we are bold. I know this because even Dr Dervis Eroglu did or couldn't do it! There's something fishy going on with the TRNC and Turkey at a Constitutional political level that they are not telling us! It's a shame as only Denktas declared the talks Dead until the TRNC was recognised first. Only he was bold and realistic.

[frontalman]

It seems that the impasse is not just a temporary blip as Mr Eide was hoping. He acknowledges that there is no chance of starting the talks for a few weeks at least, but in reality unless the GC govt reverse their enosis celebration vote then all bets are off. Even if this did happen (unlikely) there are still too many differences in expectations between the two sides. It would be nice if we could get the publicity on international TV explaining why the talks have had to cease that we saw when there was an expectation of a breakthrough at Geneva.

Had a nice cup of coffee with your brother-in-law at Yesilirmak the other day, Deniz, by the way.

[DenizIsmail]

Hi Mark nice to hear that you went to my village Yesilirmak and had tea with my brother in law Dogan at the restaurant. I am over mid April. Will you be going to Yesilirmak for the strawberry season?

[frontalman]

Yes, it can be arranged. Will be nice to meet you face to face at Dogan and Filiz's place. I hope I have spelt her name correctly and that we are able to meet up.