ANTALYA/AKSU - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has said that he thought that Greek Cypriot side would vote 'yes' to the U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan's plan on Cyprus in referenda which would be held in Cyprus on April 24 and added that otherwise Greek Cypriot side would face with isolation.
Following the meeting of Justice and Development Party (AK Party) in southern Antalya province on Sunday, Gul told reporters that he informed deputies about Cyprus issue at the final session of the AK Party meeting.
Gul stressed that they attached great importance to views and proposals of deputies.
Foreign Minister Gul noted that deputies mostly asked questions on derogations.
Replying to a question, Gul said that he guessed that Greek Cypriot side would vote 'yes' to the Annan plan in referenda which would be held on the island on April 24 and noted that otherwise Greek Cypriot side would face with isolation.
When asked whether or not deputies had a full consensus on Cyprus issue, Gul stated that he could say that deputies had a full consensus on this issue.
Replying to another question on referenda, Gul said that the side which would vote in favor of the Annan plan would be supported.
Asked whether or not Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) would be recognized if Greek Cypriot side voted 'no' and Turkish Cypriot side voted 'yes' to the Annan plan, Gul said, ''it won't be recognized tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. But a new groundwork will be formed. For example, embargoes will be lifted.''
Replying to a question on killing of Hamas new leader Abdel Aziz Rantisi by Israeli security forces, Gul said that they condemned killing of Abdel Aziz Rantisi.
Foreign Minister Gul said that such incidents caused deadlock in Palestine-Israel conflict and added that those sorts of attempts would harm peace process.
(EÖ-AY) 19.04.2004