Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is setting new fires in the... Aegean Sea, who in his statements referred to the deposits of Cyprus, proposing a "sharing" without a solution to the Cyprus problem. "Waiting for a final solution on the island (Cyprus) that would pave the way to benefit from the energy resources of the Eastern Mediterranean is not a good situation for the region and the world," Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said after a meeting with the so-called "Foreign Minister" of the pseudo-state.
Fidan even added that there could be an agreement on Cypriot deposits without a prior solution to the Cyprus problem, according to a report in the pro-government Hurriyet newspaper.
He said that this agreement could be similar to the one reached last year between Israel and Lebanon.
"Okay, the deadlock between us is still here. But there are certain issues that both communities can benefit from," he said, speaking to reporters, adding that "hydrocarbon resources are on top of those. Then there are issues like electricity integration, renewable energy, water, illegal migration, mine clearance."
Hakan Fidan accused the Republic of Cyprus of not wanting to cooperate on the issue, noting that "in fact, these are the issues from which people will benefit greatly in their daily lives and they are waiting for a solution. However, the Greek Cypriot side has never been willing to cooperate on this issue. As Turkey, our view is parallel to the 'TRNC'. It is possible to exploit the energy potential that both sides will benefit equally without waiting for a political solution" to the Cyprus problem, he said.
He added that "there are other examples in the world that have been implemented recently" in the Eastern Mediterranean, noting that "the agreement reached between Israel and Lebanon is an example. Why should there not be a similar agreement in Cyprus".
The Turkish Foreign Minister also spoke about Ankara's foreign policy goals regarding the Cyprus issue.
"Turkish foreign policy is pursuing its activities in two important areas with regard to the island of Cyprus. Both are policies that focus on the well-being and security of
Turkish Cypriots on the island. First, what will be the status of Turkish Cypriots in the international community. Second, as Turkey, we are looking at what further steps we can take to ensure the well-being, peace and security of Turkish Cypriots."
