Talat: Now Europeans Consider Turkish Cypriots And Turkey As Countries, Sides, Peoples That Keep Their Promises And Fulfil Their Commitments

ISTANBUL - Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat has said that there had been significant difference in outlook on the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey after the results of the referendums in Cyprus, adding, ''now Europeans consider Turkish Cypriots and Turkey as countries, sides, peoples that keep their promises and fulfil their commitments.''
Talat who held several meetings under body of the European Parliament returned from Brussels to Istanbul on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, Talat said that he had explained the Turkish Cypriot side's opinions and gave response to some allegations during his speech at the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Commission meeting.
Noting that he had also met with leaders of political groups in the European Parliament, Talat said that he had exerted efforts to further improve the positive climate that had emerged in favor of Turkish Cypriots and turn it into acquisitions in the future.
''There is a very significant difference in outlook on both Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey when compared to past. Now Europeans consider Turkish Cypriots and Turkey as countries, sides, peoples that keep their promises and fulfil their commitments. It is a very important acquisition,'' he said.
''Meanwhile, they are utterly confused as they suddenly understood they were mistaken in their belief until yesterday that Greek Cypriots would have accepted this agreement which would lead to solution of the Cyprus issue and they are also angry at them. And it is an important thing, important development too. Our acquisitions will be much in the future if we, as the Turkish side, put forward a policy that speaks global language and act under the world's frequency. Actually, rightfulness of our policy has been once again proven when real intention of Greek Cypriots who do not want solution was seen,'' he said.
Stressing that 65 percent ''yes vote'' of Turkish Cypriots while 75 percent ''no vote'' of Greek Cypriots in the referendums had created a very advantageous situation, Talat added, ''we have to make use of it. We have to follow an active and dynamic policy.''
(MS-AY) 28.04.2004