BY TAHA AKYOL
MILLIYET- What factors have hurt the ruling party in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)? Corruption, the appearance of oligarchy, the nation’s annoyance, and the Cyprus issue’s persistence due to the policies of TRNC President Rauf Denkas. The opposition was expected to be very successful in such an atmosphere, but this didn’t happen, due largely to the repulsive words of Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Mehmet Ali Talat which hurt Turkey’s national pride. For example he said, ‘One can say that Turkey saved us, but it stuck around longer than was necessary’ (Britain’s The Guardian, September 21, 2002). ‘Turkey’s presence in Cyprus violates international law.’ (TRNC daily Vatan, September 19, 2003).
First of all, everybody should take a lesson from Sunday’s elections on the importance of cooperation. Mr. Denktas and the National Unity Party (UBP) should also learn this lesson. The oligarchic appearance of their policies to date and the fact that foreign policy became synonymous with the failure to solve the issue sowed the seeds for the backlash from TRNC citizens. Mr. Talat and the CTP should realize this: hard bargains on Kofi Annan’s plan, Turkey’s active support, and reaching a solution with Ankara – all these are necessary.
Obviously, the election results showed the need for new approaches. Denktas should demonstrate that he’s the nation’s leader. He can do this by acting impartially and signaling that he’ll move in harmony with Ankara towards a solution. If Denktas tries to manipulate Turkey’s domestic political balances and institutional sensitivities, this will lead to problems and weaknesses in Ankara. Talat should realize that his policies are wrong-headed. A TRNC leadership without Turkey’s support would have a weak hand at the bargaining table. For this reason, Denktas should be open to a solution in line with Ankara, and Talat should accept that Denktas will continue in his role as negotiator.