Prof. Kudret Özersay.
TURKISH CYPRIOT Prof. Kudret Ozersay attended two seminars in both English and Turkish, where he discussed and analysed the continuing negotiations going on in North Cyprus, in North London.
The Professor who used to be a previous negotiator and has 12 years experience in the meetings of the Cyprus situation, was guest speaker of seminars, ‘What kind of Solution? Half a Century of Cyprus Negotiations?’. He spoke of the on-going negotiations and the speculation which surrounds them as well as the detail of possible reconciliation on the island.
Negotiations were both criticised and admired
Kudret Ozersay described the TRNCS political state by comparing it to its weather. He explained that he was not in London to be critical about the negotiations, but to share his admirations of them.
“The negotiation period isn’t new, it’s been going on since 2008 and at the point it is at today, I am not in the forefront as I was of international negotiations to speak, where as the parliament leaders in the TRNC are.” said Prof Ozersay.
He also underlined the fact that Greece and South Cyprus have become bankrupt and needed financial bailouts, this means: “The Greeks have gone bankrupt and will accept the negotiations.” This is most certainly not the case.
On the topic of ownership, Prof Ozersay said: “The conclusion which resulted in a negotiation listing five clauses has left the public feeling upset and unpeaceful. This is because in the beginning the negotiations filled the public with hope, but then only a limited five clause negotiation was announced meaning that after 2004, Turkish Cypriots assumed they would gain further advantages and benefits. Unfortunately they haven’t.”
Turks were ready to risk losing their homes
Prof Ozersay, explained the difference between the people of the Turkish side and the Greek side in regards to the negotiations. “The Greeks understand that the clause ‘Current User’ in the negotiation is that, a Turkish Cypriot is the user, therefore a Turkish Turk is not accepted as a possession/home owner. So where is the negotiation if both sides understand two different meanings?”
Reminding attendees of the seminar of the 2004 referendum, he added: “Turks were willing to take the risk of losing up to a third of everything they own, taking this into account they voted and said ‘Yes’, despite this the Greeks. 11 years later, the decision has been made to continue the negotiations and as a result should not even expect the public of the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus to even consider giving a fraction of what they own.”