The coalition government could easily advocate that a change of model is needed as regards the Cyprus problem, Foreign Minister Kudret Ozersay has said.
Speaking at a Council of Ministers’ meeting with the public in Kyrenia, he said that there was agreement on foreign policy within the coalition government. However, there had been no consensus on the Cyprus problem during the last four-party coalition, he noted.
Ozersay that more active diplomacy, ensuring the Turkish Cypriot side’s voice was heard internationally should be promoted to promote a “different, new vision and paradigm” for the Cyprus problem. This could not happen only by holding negotiations. The voice of the Turkish Cypriots should be heard on all international platforms in a way that “it is understood by the world”. He added the following:
“In this way we can promote the government’s policy. Both on the Cyprus problem and the natural gas issue as well as in the vision we have exhibited regarding the opening of closed-off Varosha/Marash, a change of paradigm is in question and this attracts attention. The various players of the international community feel the need to turn and have a look”.
The foreign minister went on to say that good and fruitful relations with Turkey were among the government’s priorities. Noting that Turkey had been their “strategic partner” for years, he expressed the view that a stance which causes tension and polarisation in society on this issue was not a “healthy approach”. He added that they could have relations with Turkey within which they could “stand tall” without quarrelling and being offended.
BRT
