ANKARA - Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Monday that compromise in Cyprus could be provided by mutual concessions.
Gul underlined that that those who expected to reach a solution with unilateral submission of Turkish Cypriot side were making a big mistake.
Gul who delivered a speech on his ministry's 2004 year budget which was discussed in the parliament, said that important steps were taken on Cyprus issue this year.
Stating that the point which they encountered was very serious, Gul said, ''finding a fair and lasting solution to Cyprus issue is a joint target and wish of Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Turkey has necessary political will to help finding such a solution to the issue till May 1, 2004. We also carry on our support to good will mission of U.N. Secretary General. It should be understood especially by the Greek Cypriot side that a compromise in Cyprus can be provided only by mutual concessions of all sides. Those who expect to reach a solution with unilateral submission of Turkish Cypriot side are making a big mistake. We also warn the third sides which want to contribute to solution to start their action from this fact. It should be understood well that pressures which have been put on a single side will not yield any positive result as it has happened till today. Turkey has committed to protect rights of Turkish Cypriots. This commitment also has spiritual and ethical value along with its legal and political value.''
Gul said that Turkish Cypriot people should assume a joint attitude which is calmer and more rationalist now than ever before. He noted, ''heroism discourse and propaganda should be left aside in that period. It can cost much to all of us in a long period.'' Stating that a sincere effort should be exerted for an acceptable solution for everyone by using all methods and possibilities of modern diplomacy within the scope of parameters which were determined for a fair and lasting solution, Gul recalled that there were many examples in diplomacy history that big disagreements had been turned into peace and cooperation thanks to courage and creativity. ''Not only Turkish Cypriot side, but also Greek Cypriot side should assume a conciliatory attitude. I hope that those things will take place next period.''
TURKEY ENTERS THE MOST CRITICAL PERIOD IN RELATIONS WITH EU
Gul said taking a decision to start negotiations with Turkey as soon as possible would mean Copenhagen political criteria was valid in the country, adding that all people concentrated on this. He noted that a busy schedule was carried out to catch up with the EU criteria as ''Turkish people deserved it.'' Gul added that they started to take positive results of these efforts.
Gul said he hoped negotiations regarding Turkey's full membership to the EU would start by the end of 2004.
(AY-AÖ) 22.12.2003