Arıklı: Government Will Not Step Back On Fiber Protocol

Speaking on a programme broadcast on Kıbrıs Postası TV, hosted by Canan Onurer, Arıklı responded to criticism of the protocol and accused trade union Tel-Sen of avoiding compromise in order not to appear to be retreating from its position. He said an impression had been created that the agreement was a handover deal, adding that all discussions at the Telecommunications Authority had been recorded and could be made public if necessary.

Arıklı stated that the protocol mentioned by Prime Minister Ünal Üstel in March referred to financial cooperation, not the fiber project itself.

He argued that the opposition and unions were acting in bad faith and were approaching the issue with an ideological fixation. Arıklı said similar objections had previously been raised against major reforms such as water supply projects, university developments and municipal restructuring, but that these same groups later benefited from those services.

Noting that the fiber project had first been discussed in 2009 and included in the government programme but never implemented, Arıklı warned that if the current protocol were cancelled, the project would not be realized for another 50 years. He added that South Cyprus had introduced a similar system five years ago, making a major contribution to its economy and creating employment for around 15,000 young people.

Arıklı claimed that some circles did not want the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to stand on its own feet and instead promoted the view that the only solution was reconciliation with the Greek Cypriot side. He said such attitudes had previously been directed even against Eastern Mediterranean University, stressing that under these conditions the government would not reverse its position.

He explained that the protocol must first enter into force before negotiations on any additional protocols could begin, and that no wording in the existing agreement could be altered. Arıklı said long meetings had already been held on a possible supplementary protocol, but underlined that the government would not sign any measure that would weaken or undermine public institutions.