The leadership of the Democratic Rally (DISY) is establishing communication with Turkish Cypriot parties in a crucial period for Cyprus and the efforts to revive negotiations.
The messages received by DISY from the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot parties are extremely worrying, as the atmosphere between the two communities seems to be influenced by the general situation in Cyprus.
Anita Demetriou’s contacts with the Turkish Cypriot parties have shown that there is currently a significant gap in contact between political forces from both communities that support the federal solution to the problem and reject any other alternative, such as that promoted by Turkey and the occupying administration.
The meetings of DISY with Turkish Cypriot parties coincided with the announcement by the Cypriot government of a package of measures for Turkish Cypriots.
What the DISY delegation recorded is the Turkish Cypriots’ inquiry about what follows after the government announcement.
Both sides note their concern that after the government announcements, there was no follow-up on how these measures would be implemented.
Turkish Cypriot politicians informed the president of DISY that what they were expecting after the announcements was some contact with them to promote the proposals within the Turkish Cypriot community.
Some of the measures concerning young Turkish Cypriots remained without further explanations until the announcement. The case of the youth card announced by the government is indicative, with Turkish Cypriots wondering why no one has informed them about the procedures for obtaining this card and how young Turkish Cypriots will be facilitated.
These forces belonging to the Turkish Cypriot left and support the solution of a bicommunal, bizonal federation. As mentioned in the meetings, they could contribute to the efforts of the Cypriot government.
This goes against the efforts of the occupying administration to reject Greek Cypriot proposals.
Both the president of DISY and the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot parties with whom meetings were held support the need to strengthen communication and cooperation between the two sides.
After the last meetings with Kudret Ozersay and a delegation of the Turkish Cypriot People’s Party, as well as with former negotiator Ozdil Nami, Anita Demetriou stated that through these contacts, the aim is “to contribute in every way constructively and supportively to the goal of restarting substantive dialogue in Cyprus.”
The Democratic Rally insists on its position and sends the message to all directions that the leadership of the country must collectively and coordinatedly show its determination to restart negotiations on the basis of a BBF with political equality, in accordance with the UN resolutions.
It further stated, “The messages we receive from our meetings are related to our common concern for the future but also the determination to break the deadlock. We remain faithful and committed to dialogue. We will pursue this struggle through every diplomatic step and continue our contacts with the Turkish Cypriot side, to cultivate a positive climate that will encourage the efforts of the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General.”
