Gul Says Promises Given To Turkish Cypriots Have Not Been Fulfilled

LEFKOSA - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has indicated that, although a year has passed since the referendum in Cyprus' two communities, there has not been any positive step in the island. Promises given to Turkish Cypriots have not been fulfilled, said Gul.
Abdullah Gul arrived in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' capital Lefkosa to attend the inauguration of the new TRNC president.
''The last presidential election in the TRNC has demonstrated that, with its democratic and transparent structure, TRNC has become a symbol of democracy in the world,'' told Gul. ''We are here in Lefkosa to wish Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat success in his term as the president of the TRNC, said Gul.
Gul remarked that the Turkish people have utmost respect for the services of the former TRNC president Rauf Denktas.
''Turkey will always support the TRNC in its right cause. We will support all the UN initiatives that can bring lasting peace to Cyprus. We will work on making the TRNC economy strong and making the overall welfare of the Turkish Cypriots better,'' stressed Gul.
Gul expressed that, prior to last year's referendum, the world community always accused the Turkish Cypriots. ''The Turkish Cypriots were considered to be the uncompromising side that did not want a solution in the island. Yet the referendum showed the true character of the two communities in Cyprus. The Turkish Cypriots voted 'yes' for the Annan Plan and demonstrated to the whole world that they are not the ones who do not want a solution in the island,'' commented Gul. Noting that this was a significant gain for Turkish Cypriots, Gul said nobody could blame the Turkish Cypriots any more.
Gul added that the ball is now in the hands of the Greek Cypriots. ''The Greek Cypriots have an obligation to show that they can compromise. Promises made to Turkish Cypriots must be fulfilled and embargoes lifted soon,'' told Gul.
Gul met the new TRNC president Mehmet Ali Talat at Talat's residence in Girne. Gul will meet Rauf Denktas later this afternoon.