LONDON - Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Friday that a solution in Cyprus should really be a final solution.
Gul held a press conference in the end of his working visit to Britain.
Foreign Minister Gul said that what Turkish government wanted to do in Cyprus was to create a secure atmosphere and reach a satisfactory solution on a realistic basis when negotiations started.
Gul noted, ''when it is said that a solution is found in Cyprus, this solution should really be final. If unfavorable incidents occur after a solution, it will be a disaster.''
Foreign Minister Gul denied the news that he was asked to press on Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas during his meeting with British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Jack Straw.
Embargoes on TRNC could not be ''accepted'' and should be lifted, Gul emphasized.
Gul said that Turkish side and Turkey could take more positive steps in case embargoes were lifted.
Replying to a question, Gul stated that there was not any direct connection between Turkey's European Union (EU) membership and solution of Cyprus issue.
Gul pointed out that Turkey's EU membership was conditioned only on fulfillment of Copenhagen and Maastrich criteria and that necessary efforts were exerted to reach that aim.
Upon a question, Gul said that United Nations (U.N.) Secretary General Kofi Annan's plan was on the table but that changes should be made on the plan to satisfy both of the sides.
Asked if ''Turkish Armed Forces had a stance preventing a solution in Cyprus'', Gul said that if there was political leadership in one country, none of those discussions would occur.
Gul noted that soldiers shared their views with the government and left the decision totally to the politicians.
''Political leadership listens, discusses it and fulfils the responsibilities. It is the same in Cyprus issue. I accuse politicians for similar situation that occurred in the past instead of our soldiers,'' Gul said.
Prior to the press conference, Gul attended a meeting organized by Citigroup and explained that Turkey was determined to fulfil IMF-backed economic program and implemented the program.
Gul drew the attention to the laws passed within the framework of that program.
Replying a question on privatization, Gul said that Turkey was determined to carry out privatization initiatives and added, ''we are fulfilling the requirements of this without making any discrimination. Take up Petkim as an example. We have problems with Uzan group. But, they gave the highest bid in this tender. If there was another government instead of us, they would not approve this tender. But, we didn't act so. We gave the tender to the company which gave the highest bid.''
Gul denied the accusations that ''they had pardoned the terrorists'' and added, ''adjustment laws are being made only to provide democracy which is the right of Turkish people.''
(BRC-AÖ) 04.07.2003