Erdogan: Turkey to Make No Concessions on Cyprus
PanARMENIAN.Net
20.07.2006 15:28 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
had important messages for the European Union upon his arrival in
the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to attend the 32nd
anniversary commemoration of the Turkish operation on the island.
Erdogan was met by TRNC Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer upon
his arrival at Ercan Airport, and told him, "We’ve fulfilled our
obligations, and the international community should immediately lift
the unfair sanctions imposed on Turkish Cyprus." Erdogan made clear
that Turkey will not make any concessions.
Later on, Erdogan held a joint press conference with TRNC President
Mehmet Ali Talat following a meeting between the two leaders. Erdogan
reiterated that Turkey wants a UN-backed solution to the Cyprus
problem. "The world should remove the isolations imposed on the TRNC so
that Turkey may fulfill its responsibilities. We have always supported
a peaceful solution, and will continue to do so."
Furthermore, Erdogan stressed Turkey will continue to be a "brother"
to the TRNC as it has done in the past. Talat also offered support
for Erdogan’s peace plan, and called on Greece and Greek Cyprus to
do the same. Turkey welcomed the message that UN Secretary-General
Kofi Annan may step in to resolve the Cyprus issue, and highlighted
the importance of Greek Cypriot’s starting negotiations.
Erdogan reassured the TRNC saying, "Don’t worry. We will not open
Turkish ports to Greek Cypriot traffic." Erdogan later met former
Turkish Cypriot President Rauf Denktas at his office. "We are pursuing
your goals. We will make no concessions over the Cyprus issue,"
Erdogan reportedly told Denktas, reported Zaman.
To remind, the EU has warned Turkey of the possible breakdoen of the
talks id Ankara fails to put into operation the additional protocol
to the customs union that was signed in July, 2005. The union provides
for opening of Turkish ports to Greek Cypriot traffic.