Foreign Minister Davutoglu pays first official visit to TRNC

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu yesterday paid his first visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as Turkey's top diplomat, a post he got last week in a recent major Cabinet reshuffle. During his day visit to the island, Davutoglu met with TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat to discuss ongoing comprehensive talks between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides towards a lasting solution of the Cyprus issue. Speaking at a joint press conference afterwards, Davutoglu reiterated Turkey's support for the negotiations, and called on everyone, including the European Court of Justice, which recently rattled the TRNC with a controversial property ruling, to do the same. "Everyone should avoid steps that could negatively affect the Cyprus talks and everyone, including international courts, should support the efforts led by TRNC President Talat." The European court last month ruled that a Greek Cypriot court decision, ordering a British couple to demolish a holiday house they had built in the TRNC, is applicable in Britain as well because both Greek Cyprus and Britain are European Union members. The Turkish Cypriots say the ruling ignores the principle of bi-zonality, endorsed by the UN as a basic parameter of any settlement on Cyprus. Expressing his hope that the talks will soon yield a positive outcome that ensures and guarantees the bi-zonality, bi-communality, and political equality and security of the two sides, Davutoglu said that this would make not only Cyprus but also the entire eastern Mediterranean region an area of peace and welfare. Stating that his visit was also meant to express his support for Turkish Cypriot democracy on the heels of parliamentary elections and to call for unity between the new government and Talat for the talks, Davutoglu said, "We are confident that the Turkish Cypriot people will act in unison in support of the talks led by President Talat in such a critical period." Davutoglu also reiterated that Turkey would determinedly continue to support the TRNC in all areas. For his part, Talat expressed gratitude for Ankara's support, and added, "During a time of unfair outside interventions in the ongoing comprehensive talks between Turkish and Greek Cypriots, it is very pleasing to feel Turkey's full support for us." Stating that he had briefed Davutoglu on the negotiations and exchanged views on them, Talat also said that they would do all they could to reach a positive solution that benefits the Turkish Cypriot people. Davutoglu also met with new Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu and new Foreign Minister Huseyin Ozgurgun.