Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said Wednesday that German Chancellor Angela Merkel's recent statements on Cyprus stemmed from a mistake or wrong briefing, Anadolu Agency reported.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the Turkish MFA said that it would be beneficial if Ms. Merkel received information on the Cyprus negotiations from the United Nations (UN) and other relevant organizations as soon as possible.
In news stories published after Ms. Merkel's visit to southern Cyprus on January 11, 2011, we have noticed that she made certain comments on the attitude of Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots in the negotiations process taking place under the auspices of the UN. Merkel's remarks on Cyprus stemmed from wrong briefing or she was mistaken, the Turkish MFA said in its statement.
The Turkish side has exerted great efforts for a comprehensive solution in the island and continues to do so. The efforts of Turkish Cypriots played a great role in the progress made in Cyprus and the new ideas and offers of Turkish Cypriots received appreciation from the UN team. In a Good Will Mission report published on November 24, 2010, the UN Secretary General affirmed the constructive role played by the Turkish Cypriots, the Turkish MFA said.
When such is the case, it is thought-provoking to see the Chancellor of Germany, a temporary member of the UN Security Council, make remarks by receiving information from only Greek Cypriots. Chancellor Merkel's remarks have shown the necessity of having talks with both sides in Cyprus, the Turkish MFA said.
It is clear that Chancellor Merkel, who in the past made remarks that letting in the Greek Cypriots into the European Union (EU) before the Cyprus issue was solved was a mistake, was misguided on the negotiations process in Cyprus, the Turkish MFA also said.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, after meeting the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration Demetris Christofias, had said in a joint press conference that "while you are ready for an honorable compromise, we have noticed that the Turkish side did not respond to your steps".