The Cyprus issue was on the agenda of the General Assembly of Parliament on Monday.

While some MP’s put forward criticism, others took on a more practical approach and reminded what would benefit the Turkish Cypriot people.

The leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Tufan Erhürman addressed the parliament and put forward his views on Cyprus.

Stating that it has been finalized that 3 guarantor countries will be at the table in March, this will be an informal meeting he said.

“We all know that the federation is not a mandatory framework at the informal negotiation table, everything will be discussed at this table, that’s clear” Erhürman said adding that “As the Turkish Cypriot side, we need to bring proposals for this region to the table by not forgetting our position.”

Erhürman also argued that the “two-state solution” will not get anywhere at the table.

Touching upon border crossings and that the Haspolat and Akıncılar gates should be opened, Erhürman called for the uncontroversial gates to be opened.

“You are obliged to show that there is a will here and that a solution can be produced,” said Erhürman.

Responding to Erhürman, Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu stated that the Cyprus problem is due to the Greek Cypriot side being accepted as the Republic of Cyprus, and that as long as this continues; no good can be hoped from any negotiations.

Ertuğruloğlu also emphasized that it is not realistic to talk about the negotiation process and a solution in Cyprus and to send a message to the Turkish Cypriot people as if there is such a thing.

Asking “What do you expect from the meeting in March?” Ertuğruloğlu emphasized that there is no other way other than insisting on the policy of two separate sovereign equal states.

Ertuğruloğlu also commented on the opening of new crossing gates by saying “If the gates are to be opened, let them be opened, I am not an obstacle to this. But they have not been opened so far.”

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel also made a brief statement on Cyprus as well.

Üstel emphasized that the National Unity Party’s (UBP) view on the Cyprus issue is that there are two sovereign states and that there is no federation on their agenda.