LEFKOSA - TRNC Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu said on Tuesday that direct talks should continue in order to make the views presented by U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan form a basis for a permanent and just agreement on the island.
Issuing a written agreement, Eroglu said that ''the state policy on the Cyprus issue has been carried out in full dialogue and cooperation between Turkey and TRNC to date. Our policy is in full harmony with the decisions taken by the Turkish parliament. The same understanding will continue. It is not possible to show with wrong news and comments as if there is difference of opinion between Turkey and TRNC.''
Noting that Annan's plan was evaluated by the organs of his party (the coalition party) National Unity Party (UBP), Eroglu said that TRNC has informed both the Greek Cypriot side and U.N. about the things that can not be accepted since the beginning of the direct talks.
''When we examine the plan, we see that the basic factors foreseen by the Turkish Cypriot people for reaching a permanent and fair agreement, either don't exist or they are diluted,'' he said.
Eroglu listed his views about Annan's plan in line with the decision taken by his party, UBP as follows:
''-We find neccessary continuation of direct talks process and finding a lasting and fair solution to Cyprus issue.
-The timing of the document is unlucky and the foreseen time table is not realistic.
-The plan does not allow making much changes in the basic issues. This fact was also voiced by circles who are closely interested in Cyprus and who contributed to the preparation of the plan.
-Therefore the document with its existing form does not give opportunity to defend our people's basic rights and interests. It is not possible for us to consider discussing minor issues in the plan as real negotiation.''
Eroglu said that he defends solution of the problem by taking into consideration the realities on the island, adding that ''we think that it is necessary to meet face to face with both U.N. officials and Clerides for the views of Annan to form a basis for a lasting and fair agreement on the island.''
Eroglu said they accept to join the EU after finding an honourable and lasting solution on the island and that they believed Turkey's place is in EU.