Challenging to Achieve Real Equality Without Observing Equality – BRTK
Turkish Cypriot side insists on sovereignty and status equality before official negotiations begin
Ergün Olgun, a member of the Beşparmak Think Tank Group and former chief negotiator, emphasized the importance of confirming the equality of sovereignty and status with the Greek Cypriot side before official negotiations begin. This insistence is seen as a necessary step towards ensuring true equality in the negotiation process.
In a recent statement, Olgun highlighted the significance of establishing a common ground that is free from ambiguity in defining the rights and status of the Turkish Cypriot side. He noted that past negotiations have failed due to unclear definitions and stated that it is essential to learn from these mistakes in order to achieve a meaningful outcome in future negotiations.
The Turkish Cypriot Side and Turkey have proposed a certain timetable for reconciliation negotiations, contingent upon the confirmation of equal rights and status, including sovereignty. However, common ground could not be reached during the informal 5+UN meeting in Geneva, delaying the start of official negotiations.
Olgun emphasized the importance of the preliminary negotiation phase, which sets the foundation for content negotiations. This phase helps to define the rights and statuses of the parties involved, outline common goals, and determine important details such as the negotiation timeline and location.
Despite ongoing efforts to establish common ground, the Greek Cypriot side has been reluctant to acknowledge the equal sovereign rights and status of the Turkish Cypriot side. President Tatar’s suggestion for creating a more conducive environment for negotiations through direct trade, flights, and contact was also rejected by the Greek Cypriot side.
Overall, Olgun emphasized that the Turkish Cypriot side’s demand for equality in sovereignty and status is justified and essential for starting negotiations on a basis of true equality. It is hoped that both sides can come to a mutual understanding and work towards achieving a positive outcome in future negotiations.
