LEFKOSA - Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu said on Monday that 2004 would be a year of progress for TRNC economy.
Eroglu who replied to questions of A.A correspondent said that incentive law which was prepared to encourage investors to further improve TRNC economy started to be put into practice.
Stating that State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif Sener came to TRNC with Development Bank Director General, Eroglu said that 17 projects were developed, four of them had source and they would be put into practice soon. Eroglu said that Kaya Holding was laying foundation of a touristic facility which had 850 beds.
Eroglu said that Sener was paying a visit to TRNC to attend foundation laying ceremony and assess economic issues and developments regarding 2004 and stated that Sener would also see projects in their place.
Recalling that there were election bans in TRNC, Eroglu said that election bans were for them.
Stating that some political parties told Supreme Election Board (YSK) that foundation laying ceremony should not be held now, Eroglu said, ''activities of states and governments don't stop due to elections. A private establishment cannot be prevented as there will be elections. YSK rejected this demand.''
When reminded that the opposition reacted to visit of Sener, Eroglu said that the world interfered in elections, but the opposition did not say anything and stated that a minister came from Turkey to TRNC and it was tried to be shown as if there was an ''interference.'' Noting that he could not understand this reaction, he said that the U.S Ambassador in Greek Cypriot side Michael Klosson visited TRNC and explained Annan's plan, U.S. State Department Cyprus Special Coordinator Thomas Weston and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Guenter Verheugen made statements regarding elections, but the opposition did not show any reaction to those.
Eroglu said that but they reacted to a minister from Turkey which had been working with them to develop TRNC and stated that Mr. Sener did not come to TRNC to visit every village with the view, ''everyone should vote for National Unity Party (UNP).'' Eroglu said that Sener came to TRNC to assess studies in 2003 and review the program for 2004 and added that Sener also explained it.
Stating that the world interfered in elections which would be held in TRNC, he said that the world claimed that ''if the opposition won the elections, there could be an agreement.''
(EÖ-AÖ) 08.12.2003