Former Turkish Cypriot Leader Mehmet Ali Talat criticized Turkey’s Cyprus policy as a “complete fiasco,” blaming their lack of commitment to solution-based conversations and resistance to international views. He called for sincere negotiations and organized talks to reach a resolution, emphasizing the need for both sides to show dedication for progress.
What is Talat’s criticism of Turkey’s Cyprus policy?
Former Turkish Cypriot Leader Mehmet Ali Talat criticized Turkey’s Cyprus policy as a “complete fiasco,” citing their lack of willingness to engage in solution-oriented dialogues and a stance that opposes the international community’s view on Cyprus. He emphasized the need for sincere negotiations and structured discussions towards a resolution.
Turkey’s Stance on Cyprus Problem
Former Turkish Cypriot Leader Mehmet Ali Talat has made a striking declaration about Turkey’s position on the longstanding Cyprus issue. During a conversation with local media, he expressed that Turkey’s current policy is “a complete fiasco.” He articulated a concern that Turkey is not interested in finding a solution and is instead adopting a position that challenges the international community’s perspective on Cyprus.
Talat highlighted the intertwined nature of the actions between Turkey and the current Turkish Cypriot Leader Ersin Tatar, suggesting that either could be influencing the other’s policies. This situation has led to a notable absence of willingness from the Turkish side to engage in solution-oriented dialogues.
The Quest for Sincerity and Solutions
The complexity of the Cyprus problem is magnified by the question of sincerity in negotiations. Talat cast doubt on the Greek Cypriot side’s genuine desire to find a resolution, referencing past objections to solution proposals by Nikos Christodoulides, the former foreign minister. He stressed the need for both sides to demonstrate commitment if talks were to resume, especially those around a federal solution or one that closely resembles it.
For negotiations to be productive, Talat insisted on structured and goal-oriented discussions, with clear objectives and timelines. He took note of the importance of UN Envoy Maria Angela Holguin’s role in potentially advancing towards reconciliation. According to him, the Turkish Cypriot side’s discussions with Holguin revolved around the aspiration for equal sovereignty, rather than recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Reflecting on the Annan Plan
When delving into potential frameworks for a solution, Talat underscored the enduring relevance of the Annan Plan, despite its rejection by the Greek Cypriot side. The plan, a result of extensive negotiations involving both communities, is seen as a reference point for future discussions. Talat recalled that during the Annan Plan negotiations, the Greek Cypriot side had in principle agreed to a federal model. The subsequent referendum, however, displayed their unwillingness to support the proposed solution.
Following his tenure, which concluded in 2010, Talat remarked that both Dervish Eroglu and Mustafa Akinci had engaged in dialogues about a federal solution. The lack of progress in Crans Montana in 2017 brought an end to these discussions, leaving a two-state solution as the unlikely alternative, given the Greek Cypriot side’s firm stance against a federation.
Cyprus’s Unrecognized State and Embargoes
With a tone of realism, Talat expressed skepticism towards the effectiveness of seeking international recognition for the TRNC. He questioned the value of recognition from a handful of countries if it does not translate into tangible benefits for the Turkish Cypriot community. Furthermore, he warned that the current pursuit of a two-state solution could lead to even stricter embargoes, rather than their alleviation. Acknowledging the international community’s strong opposition to a separate state in Cyprus, he alluded to the grave risks that Tatar’s policy poses to the Turkish Cypriot people.
What does Mehmet Ali Talat criticize about Turkey’s Cyprus policy?
Former Turkish Cypriot Leader Mehmet Ali Talat criticizes Turkey’s Cyprus policy as a “complete fiasco,” highlighting their reluctance to engage in solution-oriented dialogues and their opposition to the international community’s perspective on Cyprus. He calls for sincere negotiations and structured discussions to find a resolution.
What does Talat emphasize as necessary for progress in resolving the Cyprus issue?
Talat emphasizes the need for both sides to show dedication and commitment to progress in resolving the Cyprus issue. He stresses the importance of sincere negotiations, structured talks, and a willingness to engage in solution-based dialogues.
How does Talat view the significance of the Annan Plan in potential solution frameworks?
Talat recognizes the enduring relevance of the Annan Plan, despite its rejection by the Greek Cypriot side. He views it as a valuable reference point for future discussions and notes that the Greek Cypriot side had agreed in principle to a federal model during the plan negotiations.
What are Talat’s concerns regarding seeking international recognition for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)?
Talat expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of pursuing international recognition for the TRNC, questioning the value of recognition if it does not result in tangible benefits for the Turkish Cypriot community. He also warns that the current pursuit of a two-state solution could lead to stricter embargoes rather than their alleviation.
