Turkish FM calls for sincerity in Cyprus talks

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

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Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioğlu called for sincerity in talks for the reunification of Cyprus during his first official trip abroad in his new post on Sept. 7.

Speaking at a news conference with Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akıncı, Sinirlioğlu said Turkey wanted to help find a permanent solution on the divided island which would guarantee “political equality and legitimate rights as soon as possible.”

“We expect a sincere return from Greek Cypriots for Turkish Cypriots, who showed their dedication to [finding] a solution many times,” he told reporters. “The positive developments in this regard give us hope. We observe that there is a political will from both sides for a joint future, which will be built by Turkish and Greek Cypriots.”

Akıncı said he wanted to see a federal structure of two zones, as specified in an agreement reached in February last year.

The negotiations were suspended 11 months ago in a row over gas exploration.

The island has been divided since 1974 when a pro-Greece military coup was followed by Turkish intervention. 

Sinirlioğlu and Akıncı also offered their condolences to the families of soldiers martyred in an attack by outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) terrorists in Turkey’s southeastern Hakkari province on Sept. 6.