Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, following his first face-to-face meeting with new US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, commented on the recent stalemate in the Cyprus negotiations after an apparent walkout by Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades on Thursday.
Cavusoglu argued that it was not the first time Anastasiades angrily left the negotiating table.
“If he wants to negotiate, then he should return to the table again. If not, then it will be his choice. There won’t be a new negotiation process like this one, and we will do what is necessary”, he said.
Cavusoglu also sharply criticised the Greek Cypriot administration for controversial steps which undermined current efforts to reach a settlement and reunite the island.
“On the one hand they [Greek Cypriots] are demanding Enosis, and on the other hand they are calling for an end to Turkey’s role as a guarantor power. Their real intentions have become clear. By their actions they have revealed that the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey are absolutely right in their position”, Cavusoglu argued.
FM Cavusoglu is expected in the TRNC on Monday, for a previously scheduled meeting.
AA News Agency