Arinc: Turkish Cypriots Have Chosen A Safe Future

ANKARA - Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc has said, ''Turkish Cypriots have left behind bitter pains and chosen a safe future.''
Speaking to the A.A correspondent on results of synchronous referenda in Cyprus on Saturday, Arinc said, he respected decision of Turkish Cypriots.
''Peoples' will has reflected in the ballot boxes freely. They were democratic referenda. Everybody has to show respect. It is understood that Turkish Cypriots have left behind the troubles, bitter pains and sorrows they suffered for years and that they chosen a safe future and overwhelmingly accepted the plan,'' he said.
''This yes vote at the same time has proven that the Turkish Cypriot side is in favor of solution and it is the compromising side,'' Arinc stressed.
Noting that rejection of the Annan Plan by the Greek Cypriot side could be explained as a ''thought of preserving their advantageous situation'', Arinc said, ''now the time has come to lift all economic and political embargoes on the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and to have Turkish Cypriots integrate with the world. I believe that this new period can provide new benefits and proposals for Turkish Cypriots.''
Asked whether TRNC President Rauf Denktas should resign as Turkish Cypriots accepted the plan, Arinc said, ''I can't say anything about it. However, I completely believe that he will make the most proper decision by considering his people's general tendency.''
(MS) 24.04.2004