IZMIR - Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc has said that he did not have an intention to direct the referendum to be held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on April 24, 2004.
Speaking at the 52nd meeting of Turkey-the European Union (EU) Joint Parliamentary Commission at Izmir's Hilton Hotel, Arinc said on Tuesday, ''as you know, referendums will be held both in the Turkish Cypriot side and the Greek Cypriot side on April 24. We can say that United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan's plan has some unsatisfactory elements and some deficiencies. Now, two peoples in the island will make a decision about their future. I do not have an intention to direct the referendum in the Turkish Cypriot side. The Turkish Cypriots have been face to face with some certain facts for years. They have experienced many difficult and bitter days. Now, if they believe that the Annan Plan would provide a lasting, fair and peaceful solution, they will say 'yes' in the referendum.''
''If the Greek Cypriot side becomes a full member of the EU unilaterally on May 1, 2004, its accession will cause many serious problems in the EU. Also, its accession will lead continuation of the negativity in the island. Therefore, Cyprus' accession to the EU as a whole as a result of a joint solution should be preferred,'' he said.
Noting that both Turkey and the TRNC expected the EU to make the agreement to be reached in Cyprus a part of its primary law, Arinc added, ''I believe that it is the most important guarantee to be given to the Turkish Cypriot side prior to the agreement and the referendum.''
(UK) 06.04.2004