Turkey FM Mevlut Cavusoglu: "Cyprus re-unification opportunity must not be missed"

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said it is the first time they have been so hopeful of a settlement in Cyprus and underlined that ‘this opportunity must not be missed’.

Sefa Karahasan reporting for Milliyet newspaper interviewed the Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu who said he hoped the Greek Cypriots would not ‘do something at the last minute’. The FM noted that the Turkish side was ready for a settlement. Pointing to the wall that divides the capital Nicosia, Cavusoglu said it was time for a solution and for that ‘wall of embarrassment’ to come down.

On President Erdogan’s recent visit to the island, Cavusoglu pointed to the ‘chemistry’ between him and President Akinci and said they were similar in some aspects. He noted that a sincere and positive energy had formed between them and both were open minded and forthcoming. Cavusoglu said that even if there were differences of opinion this would be solved.

In his Cyprus messages Cavusoglu said this opportunity must not be missed as they did not think there would be another chance. He said Greece was in support but needed to increase that support; the church as well.

Cavusoglu said they wanted to see Varosha reopened so that peace and harmony can come to the island. It was part of a comprehensive settlement and not a confidence building measure.

He went on to say that Turkey wanted to see a referendum by the end of the year because they were prepared for this. If however time runs out, 2016 would be late but it must not be any longer than that.

Credit: Kibris Postasi