Denktas Is Mistaken

BY TAHA AKYOL
MILLIYET- The most important duty of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas is to ensure the establishment of a government and develop a harmonious policy with Ankara. However, Denktas is challenging Ankara, saying, ‘Kofi Annan’s plan isn’t open to discussion. Sitting at the table to discuss Annan’s plan is to present the plan to referendum with its unfairness to Turkish Cypriots.’ These words will make it difficult to establish a government in the TRNC and conflicting with Ankara won’t solve the Cyprus problem.
Diplomacy requires a special language. However, Denktas is closing all the doors and weakens the bargaining power of Turkey and the TRNC. When Annan asked the opinion of parties about the territory section of the plan, former Greek Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides expressed his opinion, but Denktas said, ‘I won’t tell my opinion before the other issues are determined.’ After learning Greek Cypriots’ opinion about the territory section, Annan and his team prepared the plan. The same stance isn’t suitable for establishing a common ground among the parties in the TRNC and establishing a common policy with Ankara.
Ankara will make a decision about the Cyprus issue. The plan prepared by Foreign Ministry about Cyprus has been completed. This plan is about the necessary changes to be made in Annan’s plan. President, Prime Minister, Chief of General Staff and Foreign Minister will meet together and discuss the plan prepared by the Foreign Ministry. Ankara should take vital factors into consideration when it’s evaluating the Cyprus issue. Denktas can’t see what Turkey would lose because of his mistaken policy as much as Turkey can see. Consequently, Denktas should act in harmony with Ankara.