04.02.2015 Athens / Greece
The call to start negotiations for Cyprus was made during the Nicosia Economy Forum attended by TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu. Following the meeting, it was stated that the current impasse is not beneficial to either side. Joint conviction in continuing close cooperation and implementing joint projects was expressed.
The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), Cyprus
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce and the
Union of Hellenic Chambers which make up the Nicosia Economy Forum held the
third Forum in Athens. The Turkey Delegation led by Hisarcıklıoğlu was
comprised of TOBB Treasurer Faik Yavuz, Gaziantep Chamber of Industry Chairman Adil
Konukoğlu, TOBB BİS Inc. Chairman Ahmet Şekeroğlu and TEPAV Director Güven Sak.
In an announcement of the matters which have found joint understanding
following the meeting, a call was made to restart negotiations in regards to
Cyprus which have come to a dead stop. Stating that the current deadlock is not
to the benefit of any involved, it was announced that, “The negotiations need
to be conducted in a manner as to reach resolution, to be constructive and
bring peace and prosperity to the Eastern Mediterranean in a win-win scenario.”
- Close cooperation will continue
With emphasis on the continuation of close cooperation, it was stated
that, “Two chambers in Cyprus with the sole goal of developing the relations
between the two peoples, urge politicians of both sides to support their
efforts and reach a sustainable resolution. The Forum reemphasizes that the
region’s prosperity is tied into the holistic solution to the Cyprus issue.
Cyprus, Greece and Turkey deserve a better future as a part of the EU.”
The calendar for the completion of the efforts of the work groups
established at the meeting in İstanbul, announcing that the committees would be
announcing the results of their endeavors by the end of March 2015. It was also
reported that the establishment of a Natural Disaster Management Unit was still
underway. The effectiveness of the financial aspects of the various endeavors
in regards to the resolution process made by chambers are still being
discussed. The next meeting of the Nicosia Economic Forum will take place in
Cyprus.