Tuzmen: Regardless Of What Happens, We Should Not Leave Cyprus Issue To Future Generations

LONDON - Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen said on Thursday that they should not leave Cyprus issue to future generations.
Tuzmen, who attended the ball held by Turkish-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry in British capital London, held a press conference after the ball.
When asked what would be done to lift embargoes if northern Cyprus voted ''yes'' and southern Cyprus voted ''no'' in the referendum on Saturday, Tuzmen said that they were trying to be prepared against every type of political scenario, stressing that it was necessary to respect any result of the referendum.
Noting that he had been against Cyprus issue to be named as a problem from the beginning, Tuzmen said that solving economic problems was the basis of solution of the problems of Cyprus, adding that making Mediterranean a free trade zone would be very beneficial for the solution.
''When we make Mediterranean a free trade zone and increase its income and end its unemployment, political problems will be eliminated,'' said Tuzmen. Tuzmen added that he had suggested this for the first time in 1995 when he was a bureaucrat, but it was not accepted.
Recalling that in spite of all discussions, Turkey had signed a trade agreement with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in 2001, Tuzmen said, ''I think when we make Mediterranean a free trade zone, political problems will be solved when we ease trade and increase level of income both in Turkey and TRNC.''
Noting that his visit to Athens was very important in this respect, Tuzmen said that they would exert efforts to activate the potential between countries. He underlined that Cyprus issue should not be left to future generations without solution. He said, ''at least we should take the right decision with the data we have. Cyprus is an important corner stone for us among the activities carried on for the European Union (EU).''
Tuzmen said that Cyprus was an important step for Turkey's journey to the West. He added that if northern side voted ''yes'' and southern side voted ''no'' in the referendum, TRNC people would show a sincere will for the liberalization of world trade and continuation of politics in democratic milieu.
Tuzmen left for Athens today with Foreign Trade Undersecretary and other officials to make commercial agreements.
(GC-AY) 22.04.2004