Turkish-Cypriot 'FM' Criticises Christofias

The 'foreign minister' of the unilaterally-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Huseyin Ozgurgun has criticised President Demetris Christofias' call for direct talks between himself and Prime Minister  Recep Tayyip Erdogan, amid today's meeting between Christofias and Turkish-Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu in the UN Protected Area (UNPA) in Nicosia.

According to a written statement reported by Anadolu agency, Ozgurgun also criticised Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou's recent remark that Turkey was the invader in Cyprus and could not join the EU without withdrawing its troops.

He said that "the only invasion in Cyprus was carried out by the Greek-Cypriot party which had ignored the international agreements of 1960, excluded its Turkish-Cypriot partner from all institutions on the island and invaded Turkish Cypriots' legitimate rights and benefits."

He ruled out direct talks between Christofias and Erdogan, saying that "the TRNC was the main addressee of Greek Cypriots, and it would continue to be so."

Ozgurgun also referred to the Annan Plan process, saying that Christofias' attitude was 'negative' and that he was currently ignoring "the established UN parameters." Remarking on German Chancellor's comments that Turkey's policy on the Cyprus issue was not 'adequate', Ozgurgun said her words were "unfortunate and unreal."

"Cyprus issue can only be concluded with the compromise of both parties in the island. In order to achieve that, Greek Cypriots should begin displaying the same determination and constructive stance with the TRNC," he said.

Christofias and Eroglu have not met since December 15th because the Turkish-Cypriot leader underwent heart surgery in Turkey to clear a blocked artery. They are expected to devise a plan to overcome their differences in reunification negotiations, and then meet with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon on January 26th in Geneva to discuss the plan.