ANKARA (AA) - President Mehmet Ali Talat of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Friday that Turkey's signing the additional protocol extending the Customs Union to ten new EU-member states, would not damage TRNC economically.
President Talat held a news conference at Ankara's Esenboga Airport prior to his departure.
When asked whether Turkey's signing the additional protocol would be a breaking point, President Talat said: ''Turkey is going to sign the protocol. It is a nonsense to discuss this. Is it a breaking point? No. We have faced many breaking points in the Cyprus question so far. Unfortunately, the outcomes are always at our disadvantage. Since we are aware of likely dangers, we can prevent them. If Turkish air and sea ports are not opened to Greek Cypriot vessels and planes, Turkey's signing the protocol will not damage TRNC economically.''
Upon another question, President Talat said, ''Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul's proposal about mutual removal of restrictions includes opening of ports and airports for free trade.''
(UK-ULG)
2005-06-03