ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Saturday that the results of synchronous referenda in Cyprus caused a ''contradictory'' situation for the European Union (EU), adding that the EU accepted membership of a side which said ''no'' to solution and unification of the island.
Holding a news conference after the results of referenda were announced, Gul said, ''the results of referenda have caused a very contradictory situation for the EU. It accepts the membership of a side which says 'no' to solution and unification of the island and on the contrary it leaves in the lurch the side which wants the unification of the island by solving the problem.''
Gul said that on the current stage they expected Greek Cypriot leadership and international community to give up imposing unjust embargoes and restrictions which did not have any legitimacy on Turkish Cypriot people.
''Turkish Cypriot people have shown their will to integrate with the world in this referendum,'' Gul said and noted that nobody had the right to isolate Turkish Cypriot people in international field any more. Stressing that Turkey had set EU membership as a basic strategic target, Gul said that it would exert efforts to further improve the relations with Greece within that direction. He added that he hoped Greece would evaluate the new situation in the island properly and adopt a consistent and constructive manner.
Gul said that Greek Cypriot side caused missing of an important opportunity by rejecting the most comprehensive and serious solution plan which has been presented regarding Cyprus issue until now.
''This situation clearly showed what the source of insolubility in Cyprus is. The result of referenda clearly showed that Greek Cypriot side is not ready for a new partnership and living together with Turkish Cypriots and a consensus,'' Gul said.
Noting that the solution plan of the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan was based on removal of the plan in case one of the sides voted ''no'', Gul said, ''unfortunately we face this situation at the moment.''
Gul said that the referenda held in the island for the first time brought a new situation to Cyprus and added that the international community should evaluate this situation and make the right determination for Cyprus issue.
Gul said that they were sure that Turkish Cypriots would be in solidarity and cooperation and he thanked Annan, U.N. team and relevant countries that have exerted efforts for four years but it was not possible to get a positive result.
(GC-MS) 24.04.2004