The Northern Cyprus Water Supply project was completed in early August with the installation of the final part of the pipeline connecting Turkey to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC), and the pipeline became operational on Oct. 17. The former chairman of Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and Antalya deputy Deniz Baykal was the first deputy from his party to praise the project and described it as a splendid event that would positively affect the negotiations on the reunification of Cyprus.
Baykal spoke to members of the press on Wednesday regarding the project. Though no other CHP members commented on the project, Baykal said, "Turkey establishing water connection and supplying clean water to Cyprus is not only an amazing event but is also highly significant strategically." Continuing on with his remarks, the CHP deputy said he hoped the project would positively affect the reunification talks between the two sides in Cyprus.
"If we display a good stance and make no mistakes in Cyprus, this will not only preserve the existence and future of the KKTC, but will also be an important factor to allow Turkey to consolidate with the island's geography," Baykal further added.The project was officially launched in 2011 by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan when he was prime minister and will ensure the KKTC has enough water for at least 50 years. During the opening ceremony Erdoğan added that the KKTC will no longer experience water shortages and problems with agricultural irrigation. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu also said during the ceremony that such projects are meant to carry peace and justice, adding, "Turkey sincerely wishes for the negotiation process to result in a fair, comprehensive and permanent resolution."
