GIRNE - Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Mehmet Ali Talat stated that Greek Cypriots did not bring up the oil issue in order to benefit from the petroleum richness.
"Firstly, they want to say that `they are sovereign in Cyprus`. Secondly, there will be elections in the Greek Cypriot part next year. Trying to attract votes by making promises on the petroleum issue, is a part of this endeavor," Talat said.
Meeting journalists from Istanbul in Girne, Talat noted that he discussed the Direct Trade Statute with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn, during his recent visit to Brussels.
Stressing that the statute would be a remarkable step, Talat said, "enforcement of the Direct Trade Statute will transfigure TRNC`s economy".
-REMOVAL OF ISOLATIONS-
Talat emphasized that direct flights constituted a critical step concerning the removal of isolations and added that this was not an easy phase to get over and they would continue to carry out activities to achieve this goal.
Talat also stressed that they would not settle for the removal of isolations; however, it would be a remarkable step towards a comprehensive solution in the island.
-HALLOUMI-
Replying to a question on the famous "halloumi" cheese of Cyprus as well, Talat said Greek Cypriots were trying to register halloumi as a regional product within EU.
Talat underscored that halloumi was a product produced jointly by Turkish and Greek Cypriots for centuries.
"If Greek Cypriots register the product this way, as they will not include TRNC in the process, even Turkey will have difficulties with purchasing this product from us due to Customs Union. This is a great danger for us," Talat said.
-TURKISH CYPRIOTS AND THE EU-
Upon another question, Talat declared that the term of "Turkish society" used by EU, did not satisfy them. "We are a nation, the nation of Turkish Cypriots. I do not expect to be called as the `TRNC President` at this phase; however, I would prefer to be called `the leader of Turkish Cypriots` rather than `leader of the Turkish Cypriot society`," Talat underscored.
Replying to a question on his foresights regarding the period needed to reach a solution on the Cyprus issue, Talat said, "It is not possible for me to foresee a period. Like Europeans say, `It takes two to tango`; however, Greek Cypriots do not want to play".