ISTANBUL - ''We have reached a turning point in Cyprus. It is necessary to make an agreement to be reached in the island the primary law of the European Union (EU),'' President Rauf Denktas of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said Thursday in a message he sent to a symposium at Istanbul's Kadir Has University.
President Denktas, who could not attend the symposium on ''How will Cyprus' Membership to the EU Affect Turkey-the EU Relations'' said, ''we have been seeking for a solution which will be beneficial both for Turkish Cypriots and Turkey and protect and develop their rights. The current stage in Cyprus is a turning point both for Turkish Cypriots and Turkey. Such an agreement should not allow bloodshed in Cyprus once again and should not entail Turkey to intervene in the island one more time.''
''The new state of Cyprus should be a new partnership state formed by two constituent states and originating from sovereignty of two nations on the island. The bi-zonal structure of the island should be further strengthened, and bi-communal structure and equal sovereignty should be recognized. An order should be established in which Greek Cypriots are not allowed to dominate Turkish Cypriots. We should refrain from a structure that will lead to eradication of entity of Turkish Cypriots in the island. Turkey's influential and de facto guarantor rights should continue. The balance between Turkey and Greece should be preserved by all means. Presence of Turkish soldiers in Cyprus should continue after Turkey's accession to the EU. Exceptions and restrictions in the agreement should be made permanent. Finally, it is necessary to make the agreement to be reached in the island the primary law of the EU,'' President Denktas added.
(UK-AÖ) 18.03.2004