EROGLU: ''IT CAN NOT BE REJECTED THAT WE ARE A STATE''
IZMIR - Dervis Eroglu, Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), said on Monday that, ''if an agreement takes place on Cyprus under equal states basing on equal sovereignty and Turkey's de facto guarantee, it can be lasting.''
Delivering a speech in inauguration of TRNC Izmir Consulate, Eroglu said the consulate was opened at a time when scenarios were prepared on TRNC, and that this proved existing relations between Turkey and the TRNC.
Eroglu said, ''we have continued our fighting in TRNC for years relying on Turkey. Even if it seemed that TRNC was recognized only by Turkey, it is a fact that all the elements of a state exist in TRNC. It can not be rejected that we are a state. Although the world sees this fact, it could not accept it. They acted basing on the thought of considering us as minority. The Greek Cypriots, being encouraged by this, try to assemble us to Cyprus Republic with a new constitution. Any agreement, which will be made after accepting fact of two states, will be permanent.''
Responding to a question, Eroglu said realities should be seen to reach a lasting agreement on Cyprus.
Eroglu said, ''what is fact? There is a state in the South. There is a state in the North. It is possible to reach an agreement basing on this fact. In case they act with the mentality that there is a Cyprus Republic recognized by the world, and a minority in the North living under occupation, and if Greek Cypriots come to the negotiation table with this idea, it is not possible to reach an agreement.''
Eroglu said with attitude of the EU in encouraging the South in this respect, and U.N.'s recognition of Greek Cypriots as Cyprus Republic in 1964, the Greek Cypriots continued their intransigent attitude.
Eroglu said, ''the EU, in accepting Greek Cypriots within its body, further increase their intransigence. The Greek Cypriots think to better the situation in favor of them after Annan Document. There are extremely objectionable articles for Turks in Annan document. To this end, we say that we will sign an agreement in equal status and based on equal sovereignty, and Turkey's de facto guarantee.''
(AY-AÖ) 04.08.2003