The last United Nations Security Council Resolution on the extension of the
mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for a period of
six months was adopted on 25 July 2019.
The statement made today by the Deputy Prime Ministry and
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
(TRNC) is fully supported by Turkey.
The most important deficiency of the extension of the mandate of UNFICYP
with this Resolution is that the consent of the TRNC is not sought, in
contrast to the UN’s established practices.
In the Resolution, the fact that the wording regarding the settlement of
Cyprus issue was drafted in a way to straitjacket all parties to discuss
different alternatives for a negotiated settlement, contradicts the need
for new ideas as called for by the Secretary-General in the past.
As stated on many occasions, the real cause of the Cyprus issue is the
Greek Cypriot side’s unwillingness to share the power and wealth with the
Turkish Cypriots. Unless this mindset changes and that a common ground and
a joint vision based on political equality is found, there will never be a
real and result-oriented negotiation process between the two sides.
As the co-owner and political equal of the Island, the Turkish Cypriots
will never accept a minority status.
On another point, it is also unfortunate and unfair to notice that the
resolution does not make reference to the 13 July cooperation proposal of
TRNC, while it calls for a reduction of tensions in the Eastern
Mediterranean. The TRNC authorities have made constructive proposals to the
Greek Cypriot side in 2011, 2012 and most recently on 13 July 2019. These
proposals of the Turkish Cypriot side, all supported by Turkey, prove that
it is the Turkish side who is making determined efforts, whilst these
efforts are not reciprocated by the Greek Cypriot side.
The issue of the unjust isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people by
the Greek Cypriot Administration can no longer be overlooked, nor its
absence from the present resolution can be accepted. The imposition of this
isolation is also the most important element exacerbating the deep crisis
of confidence between the two peoples and the two sides, preventing
cooperation on important areas on the Island.
With this understanding, as a guarantor country, Turkey will continue to
support the Turkish Cypriot people in every field and protect their rights
and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.