TRNC President Eroglu has proposed that “the island should be completely de-mined”.
The president submitted the proposal during his scheduled meeting as part of the Cyprus negotiations with Greek Cypriot President Anastasiades on Monday, Turkish Cypriot daily ‘Kibris’ reports.
He said that the first stage of de-mining by the UN should be in the minefield that belongs to the Turkish Cypriots and the three which belong to the Greek Cypriots.
Eroglu suggests that both sides observe the operations. The second stage includes commitment by the two sides to de-mine minefields within the areas they control. The UN could participate as observer in this work.
Diplomatic sources say that this exercise would remove all mines from the island and be a clear indication that the road towards a solution is open.
The proposal is described as “the first step” in the direction of the demilitarization of the island, in which the number of troops will be reportedly reduced, in case of a solution, to a number that will be determined within the context of the treaties of guarantee and alliance.
‘Kibris’ reports that the Greek Cypriots are considering this proposal and will respond in the near future.
