LEFKOSA - The west did not make any concrete commitment regarding Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) before the simultaneous referenda held in Cyprus on April 24th, TRNC Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat said on Sunday.
Before diplomatic initiatives to be speeded up in September, Talat told A.A correspondent that the west had said that those who were with the international community would win, while the other would lose before April 24th simultaneous referenda.
Talat said, ''the Greek Cypriot side was against, but the Turkish Cypriot side was in favor (of the plan). Turkish Cypriot side had to gain while the Greek Cypriot side had to lose. But, the legal framework is obvious. I don't know what we can gain within this framework.''
Noting that two sides ''had not negotiated'' before the talks held in Buergenstock, Switzerland, Talat said, ''if we had been able to negotiate, we would have won. The referendum question in Annan plan before the Copenhagen summit was different. It asked if we accepted the foundation agreement, the Treaty of Guarantee and the Treaty of Alliance, and Cyprus' EU (European Union) membership. And, we are asked to vote 'yes' or 'no'. If said no, the Greek Cypriots wouldn't have joined the EU. But, this question was changed after heads of state and government admitted Cyprus to the EU.''
-PERIOD STARTING BY SEPTEMBER-

When asked whether or not he was hopeful about Free Trade Regulation and financial regulation which would be debated in the EU to be approved, Talat said, ''it seems that financial regulation will be approved, but we are not sure about Free Trade Regulation to be passed.''
Recalling that Greek Cypriots opposed Free Trade Regulation, Talat said, ''but we passionately want it (to be approved), since this regulation is very important for us.''

-CANDIDACY FOR OFFICE OF PRESIDENT-

When asked whether or not he would run for presidential elections which would be held in TRNC in April, Talat said the party would decide on this issue, noting that he had not generated any view on the issue yet.
Talat added that whether he would be candidate for the office of president would be clear soon.
(EÖ-BRC) 29.08.2004