Agreement Reached to Open Four New Doors for Mine Clean-Up Cooperation
President Ersin Tatar recently held a press conference following the conclusion of the expanded informal Cyprus conference in Geneva under the auspices of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. During the conference, Tatar emphasized the need for restarting official negotiations with a focus on equality and equal status for both sides.
Tatar mentioned that four new avenues had been agreed upon, including collaborating on mine clearance and establishing a technical committee for youth. Additionally, plans were discussed for creating a solar energy system in the region to provide energy to both the northern and southern parts of Cyprus. Furthermore, the restoration and maintenance of cemeteries were addressed.
A follow-up meeting in the same format was scheduled for the end of July, with the UN Secretary General planning to appoint a personal representative to assist in addressing these issues and preparing for the next meeting.
During the press conference, President Tatar was joined by Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu and Special Representative of the President Güneş Onar. Tatar highlighted the importance of cooperation and the need for equality in status between the two sides to facilitate fair negotiations.
Tatar proposed the establishment of a Cyprus Cooperation Council (CCC) to foster peace, prosperity, and cooperation between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities. The council would focus on various areas such as banking and financial transactions, trade, energy resources, and climate change, among others.
President Tatar stressed the importance of removing barriers and insulation that have hindered the rights and connectivity of the Turkish Cypriots for over six decades. He emphasized the need for creating a culture of cooperation to address the longstanding Cyprus issue and move towards a sustainable and mutually beneficial future for all involved.
