Turkey: Turkish Cypriot power parity key to new peace talks

NICOSIA, Cyprus – Turkey’s foreign minister says Greek Cypriots must accept that Turkish Cypriots will have decision-making parity in governing a reunified Cyprus before any peace talks can resume.

Mevlut Cavusoglu also says Turkey will continue drilling for natural gas off Cyprus where the island’s internationally-recognized government has exclusive rights as long as Greek Cypriots reject a proposal to jointly run a hydrocarbons search with the breakaway Turkish Cypriots.

Cavusoglu dismissed a counter-proposal by Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades to split potential gas proceeds with the minority Turkish Cypriots if Turkey agrees to negotiate the borders of Cyprus’ and Turkey’s offshore exclusive economic zones.

The island was ethnically divided in 1974 when Turkey invaded following a coup. Turkey doesn’t recognize Cyprus.

Cavusoglu was speaking Monday after meeting Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci.