Turkish-Cypriots Believe Barbaros Activity Signals Cooperation

The news portal penned Turkish-Cypriot negotiator Ergun Olgunhas' comments regarding the activity, "If Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa was holding explorations in the north, it would have been said that the Turkish Cypriot side is following a separatist policy."

Olgun responded to the North's stance that negotiations can't continue while Turkey's NAVTEX is active, "It will have to think about it tomorrow when a platform comes there and starts drilling...I think that the emergence of this crisis could cause a result that might open the door for change in Cyprus...".

The Turkish-Cypriot delegate added, "The NAVTEX and Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa are the only dynamics in the direction of changing the status quo, de facto adding power and showing the need for its change. Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa and the area for which the NAVTEX was announced are confirming this".

Olgun claimed that Barbaros is currently afloat in the occupied Famagusta Port, "We are giving another chance. Barbaros cannot remain there forever. This is a window of opportunity for a short period of time. It should be used well. This opportunity is not only for the south, but it is an opportunity for the UN and [the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser for Cyprus Espen Barth] Eide as well...With our move, the Greek Cypriot side is de facto seeing that it is not the only sovereign in an area which is under its sovereignty".

(Source: Parikiaki)