The parliament met on Tuesday and carried out discussions on the Geneva talks.

The Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı, emphasized that water and energy should be the main agenda items at the meeting to be held in July.

The 5+1 informal Cyprus meeting held in Geneva became a topic of discussion in the General Assembly of the Parliament on Tuesday.

In his speech at parliament Republican Turkish Party (CTP) MP Fikri Toros described the decision to keep the process alive at the Geneva meeting as a positive development.

Toros pointed out that no consultation took place regarding the essence of the Cyprus issue during the meeting.

He emphasized that as long as the Cyprus issue remains unresolved, all countries involved will suffer consequences, with the Turkish Cypriot community bearing the greatest burden.

He also welcomed the fact that the leaders will meet on April 2, noting that a decision to open some border crossings could emerge from the meeting.

CTP MP Teberrüken Uluçay also referred to the Geneva meeting in his speech by stressing the importance of continuing the negotiations.

Uluçay highlighted that if the agreed-upon confidence-building measures are implemented, the country’s economy would benefit positively.

Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı for his part pointed out that aside from a few topics no concrete steps were taken in Geneva.

He emphasized the importance of the agenda for the upcoming meeting in July by stating that there must be serious cooperation on electricity and water.

He also highlighting that South Cyprus has a greater need for water and energy than the north.

Arıklı expressed skepticism about the planned solar power plant in the buffer zone, arguing that it would not be a sufficient solution for either side.

He also questioned why the Greek Cypriot leader outright rejected the idea of an electricity cable connection in Geneva without any discussion.

Arıklı stressed that the Greek Cypriot public should pressure their leadership on electricity and water issues.

He noted that the European Union and Greece support an electricity project that would run from Israel to Greece.

“They can obtain Greek energy through the same formula via the Chamber of Commerce, just as they can buy water from us. This is what will eventually happen. The main agenda for the July talks should be water and electricity”, said Arıklı.

He also emphasized the importance of opening new border crossings but noted that there has been an inexplicable delay in the process.

Arıklı expressed his belief that the necessary steps for opening the crossings would be taken once the personal representative arrives.