LEFKOSA (AA) - Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Special Envoy Osman Ertug said regarding the quartet meetings in Ankara and Greece "We have nothing to lose. It is a win-win situation. We can break the ice and open a new era."
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Ertug stated Turkish side approached the process positively from the beginning and noted there is no precondition for the talks. “We prefer a joint announcement. But, we have to agree on that. If we cannot agree, it will not obstruct talks.”
Presidency Spokesperson Ertug said they had talks with Greek Cypriot administration for a month to decide on the quartet meetings to start with a joint announcement.
Osman Ertug underlined quartet meetings will be the first “We hoped that two sides will gain from that and approached the issue positively. We have nothing to lose. It is win-win situation. We can break the ice and open a new era.”
Osman Ertug emphasized Turkish side acted within the UN parameters, but accused Greek Cypriots of ‘dragging their feet’ by saying that they could not see constructive approach from the Greek side. “We did not lose hope for peace. We are waiting for them to take necessary decision.”
Special Envoy Ertug said they are striving to have an agreement that two sides can agree. “If we have that agreement, there will be coordinated referendum at both sides. People will decide.”
Ertug cautioned that Greek Cypriots should deliver the same message to its people and Turkish side during the talks. He underlined that it is the Greek side that is going through ‘sincerity test’. “We voted in favor of the UN plan (2004). But they set precondition such as Maras for the talks.”
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