ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday that Greek Cypriot side wanted to come out May 1 by delaying referendum process and it was an initiative which was far away from good will.
Gul said that Turkey would be loyal to the agreement and he called the United Nations Secretary General and the European Union (EU) for mission.
Delivering a speech at Justice and Development Party (AK Party) group meeting, Gul evaluated developments about Cyprus issue. Noting that they tried to solve Cyprus question, which was considered as ''national cause'', in favor of Turkish Cypriots and Turkey, Gul said that the governments carried on this policy by showing insolubility as solution.
Noting that this policy which had been carried on until today would not continue similarly and AK Party government did not consider insolubility as solution, Gul said that Greek Cypriot side's entrance to EU as the only representative of island set the government in action.
Gul said that a referendum would be held on the island on April 24 and the people would take its decision, adding that they would respect to the decision of the people. He said that it was important to follow this process carefully and to decide by evaluating without heroism and emotions.
Noting that in recent days Greek Cypriot side was trying to delay and hold referendum after April 24, Gul said, ''it is an initiative far away from good will. Delaying referendum means Greek Cypriot side's being member of EU as of May 1 by representing the whole island. This situation will reinforce the position of Greek Cypriot side and also will mortgage Turkey's membership to EU.''
Noting that this development was against the agreement, Gul said, ''the intention of Greek side to prevent referendum is completely far away from good will. We, as Turkey, will be loyal to agreement. We call the U.N. Secretary General and the EU for mission.''
Gul said that Annan Plan had positive and negative sides and added that he thought positive sides of the plan were more.
Noting that if the results of referendum would become ''yes'' in both sides, it would have some economic results, Gul said that new houses and business places would be built for those who wanted to change their houses and business places.
Gul said, ''regardless of the decision which will be taken, Turkey will continue to support TRNC. We will continue to provide every type of support both economic and political aspects. Also as a new situation will emerge, international society will have to fulfill its responsibilities. Everybody should make sacrifice. Certainly Turkey's economic and political support to Turkish Cypriots will be more than everybody's. There will be the support of not only the state but also private sector. Thus, activities have already started.''
(GC-AY) 13.04.2004
ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday that Greek Cypriot side wanted to come out May 1 by delaying referendum process and it was an initiative which was far away from good will.
Gul said that Turkey would be loyal to the agreement and he called the United Nations Secretary General and the European Union (EU) for mission.
Delivering a speech at Justice and Development Party (AK Party) group meeting, Gul evaluated developments about Cyprus issue. Noting that they tried to solve Cyprus question, which was considered as ''national cause'', in favor of Turkish Cypriots and Turkey, Gul said that the governments carried on this policy by showing insolubility as solution.
Noting that this policy which had been carried on until today would not continue similarly and AK Party government did not consider insolubility as solution, Gul said that Greek Cypriot side's entrance to EU as the only representative of island set the government in action.
Gul said that a referendum would be held on the island on April 24 and the people would take its decision, adding that they would respect to the decision of the people. He said that it was important to follow this process carefully and to decide by evaluating without heroism and emotions.
Noting that in recent days Greek Cypriot side was trying to delay and hold referendum after April 24, Gul said, ''it is an initiative far away from good will. Delaying referendum means Greek Cypriot side's being member of EU as of May 1 by representing the whole island. This situation will reinforce the position of Greek Cypriot side and also will mortgage Turkey's membership to EU.''
Noting that this development was against the agreement, Gul said, ''the intention of Greek side to prevent referendum is completely far away from good will. We, as Turkey, will be loyal to agreement. We call the U.N. Secretary General and the EU for mission.''
Gul said that Annan Plan had positive and negative sides and added that he thought positive sides of the plan were more.
Noting that if the results of referendum would become ''yes'' in both sides, it would have some economic results, Gul said that new houses and business places would be built for those who wanted to change their houses and business places.
Gul said, ''regardless of the decision which will be taken, Turkey will continue to support TRNC. We will continue to provide every type of support both economic and political aspects. Also as a new situation will emerge, international society will have to fulfill its responsibilities. Everybody should make sacrifice. Certainly Turkey's economic and political support to Turkish Cypriots will be more than everybody's. There will be the support of not only the state but also private sector. Thus, activities have already started.''
(GC-AY) 13.04.2004