Nicosia, Cyprus. The north’s three-party ruling coalition was divided on Monday over United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ arrival in Cyprus, with the DP calling for constructive results in the Cyprus negotiation process while another party briefly called for a protest.
DP calls for renewed trust
DP secretary-general Serhat Akpinar said he hoped Guterres’ contacts on the island would contribute to lasting peace, mutual trust and stability.
He said the Cyprus issue had become marked by unfulfilled international commitments, unimplemented decisions, and political, economic and international injustices suffered by Turkish Cypriots over many years.
Akpinar said the UN should move beyond a facilitating role between the two sides and lead efforts to fulfil past promises made to Turkish Cypriots, describing this as important for restoring trust.
Annan plan cited
Akpinar referred to the 2004 Annan plan referendum, which was accepted by Turkish Cypriot voters and rejected by Greek Cypriot voters.
He said commitments to lift the isolation of Turkish Cypriots had not been fulfilled despite their support for a solution.
He added that removing obstacles to Turkish Cypriots’ political equality, sovereign rights and direct contact with the international community was an important UN responsibility. A lasting solution, he said, should be based on equality, mutual respect, security and the sovereign will of the two peoples.
Akpinar said the DP would continue to support peace, stability and cooperation in Cyprus, and hoped Guterres’ visit would improve understanding of Turkish Cypriots’ rights and begin a fair, realistic and sustainable process.
Ustel calls for recognition
‘Prime minister’ Unal Ustel, leader of the coalition’s largest party, the UBP, took a different position.
He said that if Guterres wanted to be remembered for resolving the Cyprus problem, he should convene the UN General Assembly and recognise the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.