Are we expecting any developments regarding the Cyprus issue?
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Of course, the fact that UN official Maria Angela Holguin is coming could be a clear sign of such an expectation…
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Yet, Holguin has been here before!
True!
She came, she held her meetings, and then left!
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But there are indications that there is something ‘special’ about this visit!
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There are some stirrings…
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For example, Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu and the little clique of three—or perhaps five—people around him who are ‘against any kind of solution’!
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The moment Mr. Tahsin and this clique start wailing, “A federal solution is out of question, we’re against it, never, absolutely not,” you’ll know that Turkey is preparing to say, “We’re ready to discuss everything, including a federal solution”!
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Indeed, if the information in the article published yesterday in the Cyprus Mail, signed by Tom Cleaver, is correct, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has given his approval to a “new initiative” to be led by the United Nations (UN), aimed at restarting official negotiations towards a solution to the Cyprus problem.
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The newspaper, citing “high-level sources” in its report, did not name these sources but used the following wording:
“… Erdoğan is taking a positive stance on the possibility of a new initiative, and Turkey is prepared to participate in negotiations if it believes the necessary political will exists on the Greek Cypriot side to resolve the Cyprus issue…”
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According to the Cyprus Mail, Turkey is facing serious financial difficulties due to the unresolved Cyprus issue…
Or rather, Turkey finds itself in a situation where “we are paying the price even though we are not to blame”!
Consequently, “if the conditions are right”, we are on the verge of entering a negotiation process, and Turkey will not stand in the way…
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Turkey, which supported Mehmet Ali Talat in 2004 and Mustafa Akıncı in 2017, and which, one way or another, has presented itself as “pro-solution” actor, is now returning to the same position…
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Now there will be another ‘advocate for a federal solution’ at the table: Tufan Erhürman…
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And within a relatively short period, the head of government will also be CTP leader Dr. Sıla Usar İncirli…
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If all indicators are ‘positive’, the negotiations will proceed more smoothly…
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Meanwhile, here is some concrete information you can share: The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, stated that “provided Turkey fulfils its obligations, both the EU and the Republic of Cyprus will respond positively to Turkey’s candidacy.”
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A statement that should be interpreted as moderate, solution-oriented and friendly!
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So who could derail the talks?
Mr. Tahsin and his three mates cannot do this on their own!
Who will support Mr. Tahsin in Turkey, despite AKP and Erdoğan?
The answer to this question is crucial!
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CHP’s ‘nationalist and patriotic’ support on the Cyprus issue is not currently on the table!
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I cannot say a word about MHP!
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Who controls the Deep State; it is unclear!
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Tomorrow, if you happen to see even Mr. Tahsin criticising Erdoğan with a brave tone, it should occur to you that there is still a shadowy institution in Turkey dealing with deep-seated affairs!
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However, if Mr. Tahsin and the other three remain silent...
May it be for the best!
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A danger?
As always, the greatest danger standing in the way of a solution is fanatical nationalism and rampant profiteering!
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Will the bigoted nationalists in the South, together with the fake nationalist but heavily plundering group in the North, stand in the way?
Are they able to stand in the way?
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If Erdoğan is determined, strong and persistent; and if Nikos Christodoulidis can secure the support of AKEL and DISY...
Why not?
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Are we pleased?
We are pleased!
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In fact, if it is true – and I hope it is – I can say that for the first time since 2004, I have felt a ‘warmth’ towards Erdoğan!
