LEFKOSA - Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said that Turkey's including southern Cyprus in Customs Union agreement does not mean that Turkey recognizes Cyprus Republic, however, it accepts existence of it.
Holding a news conference on Saturday, Talat assessed the statement that Turkey will have Customs Union agreement with 10 new EU members including Cyprus Republic.
When recalled Turkish Foreign Ministry's statement that the decision about Customs Union does not mean that Turkey recognizes Greek Cypriot administration, Talat said, ''of course Turkey is not very willing while including Greek Cypriot side in the agreement. Everybody knows this and knows the reasons as well. Turkey will not reach a stage to recognize Cyprus willingly.''
Talat said Turkey would accept Cyprus willingly only after Cyprus question is solved.
(GC-AY) 03.10.2004