A new personality in the negotiations: reflecting Turkey's intentions in Cyprus.

The editor-in-chief of YENİDÜZENPOLİTİS newspaper, Dionisis Dionissiou, reviewed Ergün Olgun's resignation as negotiator and wrote about what names are surfacing for a possible new negotiator, saying: "The identity of the new negotiator will reflect Turkey's intentions in Cyprus." Dionysis Dionysiou noted that the names of Güneş Onar, the coordinator of the bilateral technical committees, diplomat Mustafa Lakadamyala, UBP deputy Oguzkhan Hasıpoglu, who carried out the technical works for the opening of Maraş, and former negotiator Kudret Ezersay as the new negotiator are surfacing. Dionisis Dionissiou also wrote that if Kudret Ezersay is appointed, it would indicate Turkey's serious intentions regarding the Cyprus negotiations to the international community, but he also pointed out that Ezersay may not accept the position, and ultimately it may indicate the likelihood of a "technocrat official" being appointed, which would reinforce the impression that the Cyprus problem is still not a priority for Turkey.

We present a review of an article by Dionisis Dionissiou for YENİDÜZEN readers in Turkish. In an article by Dionisis Dionissiou, "What's Behind Olgun's Resignation - Is Ankara Sending a Message to the Cypriot Government?" published on July 23, 2023 in POLİTİS newspaper, the following is stated:

What's Hiding Behind the Postponement?

What is behind the resignation of Ergün Olgun, the Turkish special representative for the Cyprus issue? He stepped down from the post upon reaching retirement age. The seasoned Cypro-Turkish diplomat recently turned 80 years old, and that's reason enough to retire. However, why now? Time is always of the essence in the decision-making process. Cypro-Turkish diplomats and journalists point out that there may be conditions behind the decision and draw attention to the fact that the resignation of the Cypro-Turkish negotiator may be linked to those conditions. Erdogan's new government in Turkey seems to be making significant changes to address the country's existing problems. The selection of Tatar in October 2020 served Turkey's interests in the wake of the devastation in Cyprus. The appointment of hard-line Ergün Olgun in November 2020 also reflected Turkey's intention to put equality on the table in the Cyprus problem after 2021.

What happens if TURKEY makes a U-turn?

What will happen if Turkey decides to make a U-turn in the near future? Ergün Olgun, who was never attracted to or endorsed the Tatar position, was more settled in his positions on the Cyprus problem. He has a hardline and extreme position - meaning any change from Ankara would bring him into complete opposition.

The approach of Ergun Olgun and BrusselsG/h3>

Turkey's turnaround is essentially about returning to full-fledged EU accession talks. Ergün Olgun was never enthusiastic about the EU and the possibilities it could create in the Cyprus problem. He always showed it in practice.... Given that all the officials are Republic of Cyprus hired, the Cyproturkis are particularly distrustful of the Cyproturkis in this situation. Brussels also believes it is linked to support for some complaints against military personnel and is achieved by taking measures to stop the sale of gasoline from the occupied territories...

SLOWS AT THE UNIVERSITY IN DAU CALLED CRITICISM IN ANKARE

While Turkey is taking some revelations, it is clear that Olgun is not the most suitable person to represent new tactics on the Cyprus problem for the Turkish Foreign Ministry, but according to Turkish sources, his resignation is not due to his hardline stance.

Who will replace OLGUN?

Who will replace Olgun in this position? The appointment and selection of the incumbent could send an important message about Ankara's intentions on the Cyprus issue. Various names come up in this regard. The names of Technical Committees (Bilateral) coordinator Güneş Önar, diplomat Mustafa Lakadamıyalı, and UBP deputy Oguzcan Hasıpoglu, who conducted technical studies on Maraş's discovery, are mentioned.

NAME EZERSAYA WILL BE TRANSPARENCY MESSAGE FOR THE PREPARATION ... Kudret Özersay's name cannot be excluded from this list if Turkey wants to send a clearer message to the international community.... Former negotiator Ezersay is respected in Ankara - not everyone understands why he has kept his distance from Turkey in recent years.... (He did this to attract Turkish votes and strengthen his party). Appointing Ezersay as negotiator would communicate that the Turkish side wants to negotiate and appoint someone who knows the issues and is willing to negotiate. However, according to diplomatic sources in the north, it is more likely that Ezersay will disagree. In the end, it is more likely that a technocratic official will be appointed to the post, reinforcing the impression that the Cyprus problem is still not a priority for Turkey. Next to Fidan is Burak Ozyugergin, a... In theory, Ershin Tatar will be appointed as the new negotiator. However, the management of the Cyprus negotiations belongs to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A few months ago, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu was supposed to be in charge of this decision. The new Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is still trying to adapt to his position as he comes from Turkey's secret services. Next to him, of course, is the experienced diplomat Burak Özügergin - he heads the Cyprus desk of the Turkish Foreign Ministry and previously served as Turkish ambassador to Athens.