LEFKOSA - Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas said on Saturday that the real solution in Cyprus could be seen now.
Addressing a conference entitled, ''Real Solution for Cyprus,'' Denktas stressed that TRNC opened its gates to Greek Cypriot side.
''We said that we are also ready to join the European Union (EU), but not by violating the rights of homeland,'' he noted and stated that TRNC would join the union together with Turkey.
''We that EU that it can see us as a candidate till then and extend financial support to improve our economy... When Turkey is ready and joins the EU, we will join the Union. By this way, EU will save itself from the shame of violating international agreements. So Cyprus can unite within the EU.''
Stating that Cyprus issue was not an obstacle in front of Turkey, but the most important bargaining issue of Turkey in today's circumstances, Denktas said, ''why? Because, EU wants the whole Cyprus and says that Cyprus is necessary for the Union in respect of geopolitics. Turkey's rights in respect of geopolitics was confirmed with international agreements. One cannot protect his geopolitical rights by violating agreements. The rights of Turkey had to be assured.''
Denktas said that if the U.S. and guarantor Britain could tell Greek Cypriots that they were not the government of Turkish Cypriots, a compromise could be reached in Cyprus within few months.
Recalling the statement of U.N. Secretary General's Cyprus Special Envoy Alvaro De Soto who said that Denktas's opening gates surprised him very much, Denktas said that with this statement, De Soto confirmed once again that he did not want to understand Cyprus issue.
Denktas said that they always defended free movement when negotiations continued, adding that he told during the negotiations that the fight would particularly come out on the issues of property and settlement.
He added that Annan plan was a plan which aimed to eliminate Turkish Cypriots.
(EÖ-ÖS) 03.05.2003