Erdogan: Denktas's Withdrawing From Negotiations Is Out Of Question

AYDIN PLANE - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas's withdrawing from the Cyprus negotiations was out of question.
Prime Minister Erdogan replied questions of reporters on board of the Turkish Airlines' (THY) plane ''Aydin'' on his way back from South Korea to Turkey.
Asked about his expectation from the Cyprus talks in New York, Erdogan said, ''at the moment, we expect what we want to get. If it does not happen, we do what is necessary. I believe that solution of this has to be put forward by protecting both Turkey's and the TRNC's interests and the other side's interests, too.''
Asked what he thought about his visit to South Korea, Erdogan said, ''I saw Koreans very excited about Turkey. Among the countries to which we have paid visits so far, meetings among the sectors in which businessmen showed great interest were held in South Korea.''
Replying a question which said, ''three thousand South Korean soldiers are going to go to Kirkuk. What do you think about it?'' Erdogan said, ''as a logistic support, it is positive. Also we are extending logistic support at the moment.''
Asked when Turkey would record same modern technology progress as South Korea, Erdogan said, ''we are preparing the infrastructure of it at the moment. There have been serious progress about studies on information technology. Actually, there is no other way out.''
Asked whether or not the South Korean President and he had discussed dispatch of South Korean troops to Kirkuk, Erdogan said, ''we said that we had a positive outlook. It is important for Iraq rather than us. It is important for Iraq's territorial integrity and domination of ethnic elements over each other. Problems in that region disturb Turkey, Syria and Iran, as neighboring countries.''
Asked about the latest point of the Cyprus issue, Erdogan said, ''everything about the Cyprus issue has been normal so far. We have always been in contact with the foreign ministry. I have not spoken to Mr. Denktas after our latest meeting in Ankara. I know that Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul had a conversation.''
When asked what he expected from Cyprus talks that would be held between TRNC President Rauf Denktas and Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos in New York, Prime Minister Erdogan said that ''we expect the things we want to come true, if this is not the case, we will do what is necessary. I believe that the solution of this issue should be put forward by taking into consideration the interests of Turkey and TRNC, and the other side, too. But if you only say 'me', you can't sort out this issue. We insist on strengthening bizonality, guarantor rights of Turkey, and making clear the map. Southern Cyprus clearly tells about Annan plan that they had objections to 100 articles. Turkish Cypriot side does not say such a thing, the Turkish Cypriot side puts forward some basic things at this point and these have to come clear. Let's sort out this issue as TRNC and Turkey, but first of all these things should be put on a track.''
Upon a question, Erdogan said that ''we took a decision in principle with TRNC President Rauf Denktas, we will not speak through the media, I must also keep my promise.''
When reminded about his telephone talk with U.S. President George W. Bush before his visit to South Korea, Erdogan said that he asked Bush for help regarding Cyprus issue. ''We were later informed that he did that. We do our best. This is diplomacy. We will see its result,'' said Erdogan.
''A general discussion will be held in the parliament, will you be able to persuade the opposition?'' asked a journalist to Erdogan, adding that ''we don't have the mission of persuading the opposition. We tell our truths. The opposition can say anything anytime, I don't have the problem of persuading them,'' Erdogan noted.
''But, what we are doing is important. We never say or do anything which will be against the future of our country. But, what we consider right can be considered wrong by another. This is a social and political event. We are given an authority by our nation to rule. And, we are discussing our authority with every circle with whom we should discuss it and take our steps accordingly. But, this doesn't mean that we will take up issues by everybody at any moment. We wish to hold a parliamentary session to inform others. The opposition will continue to say what it considers right. We won't make concessions to anybody like a blank check,'' Erdogan said.
Asked about his expectations from the meeting in New York and if Denktas could assume a different attitude, Erdogan said, ''we have given him a road map. We will see how much he keeps to it and how much he deviates from it. Denktas' withdrawal from talks is out of question.''
When asked what would happen if Denktas did not keep up with the negotiation plan, Erdogan said, ''TRNC will pay its price. Think about days after May 1. What will be the income and the outcome? Those who are talking much about these issues should be asked what Turkey and TRNC will gain and lose after May 1. We have talked about all these issues.''
Asked if he still thought he was one step forward, Erdogan said, ''this is my understanding. This is what I want. We haven't hidden any of them. I and my friends, that is, the government think so. If this happens, the issue will be solved. You will give some, but you will gain some in return. Then, you will meet at a common point.''
Replying to another question, Erdogan said, ''we haven't seen any positive approach towards talks we have been holding in the letter sent by Annan. We have already assumed an attitude to resume talks.''
(MS-Öª-BRC-AÖ) 10.02.2004