Turkish FM’s illegal visit to occupied areas not accidental, but related to political developments in TC community
Statement of Georgos Loucaides, AKEL C.C. Spokesperson
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 18th April 2016, Nicosia
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu’s illegal visit to the occupied areas was certainly not accidental. It is directly related to the on-going political developments in the Turkish Cypriot community, following the formation of a pseudo-government in the occupied areas by the forces which have always been opposed to a solution of the Cyprus problem based on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation. We take note that the Turkish Foreign Minister expressed support towards the negotiating procedure, which of course we insist is not demonstrated verbally but must be proven in practice.
Fully aware of the additional difficulties created by the negative developments in the occupied territories, AKEL remains convinced that adherence to principles, the agreed framework and to the convergences is the most appropriate way to handle the situation effectively.
The positive coincidence that exists today will not exist forever. To the extent that it depends on our own side, we must seek to overcome the obstacle of the property issue, by ensuring the right of the refugees to return to their homes and properties.
This is how we can subsequently enter the substantive discussion of the territorial and security issues. This is precisely where Turkey will be called on to prove in practice the declarations it has made in public and the sincerity of its intentions.
