LEFKOSA - Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Saturday that Turkey had expectations from the European Union (EU) on April 16, when the accession accord of the Greek Cypriot side would be signed.
Gul, who came to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to hold official contacts, told reporters that the rules of that accession should be arranged well.
The EU should not kill efforts for peace in Cyprus, Gul said.
Gul noted, ''April 16 is not the end of everything. I believe that the EU will be understanding.''
Turkey was always behind TRNC, Gul stated.
Gul pointed out that he would meet with TRNC President Rauf Denktas, members of the government and leaders of the opposition parties.
A critical period was being experienced in Cyprus, Gul said. Gul noted that they were doing their best for a solution to Cyprus issue.
Noting that everybody wished a fair solution, Gul said that the proposals Denktas presented to the Greek Cypriot side last week should be appreciated and they supported those proposals. He hoped that the proposals would be well evaluated.
Gul said that embargoes imposed on TRNC should be lifted and such a step would be a step which would cause good will.
TRNC Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu said that they had had a good cooperation when Gul was the state minister for Cyprus.
Eroglu noted that they were in an effort to overcome problems together with Turkey.
Although Turkish side had good will, they could not see the same approach from the Greek Cypriot side, Eroglu said.
Eroglu added that they would discuss Cyprus issue in detail during Gul's visit.
GUL: TURKEY AND TRNC WILL TRY EVERY MEANS FOR A PERMANENT SOLUTION
Gul said that Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) would try every means for a permanent solution to Cyprus issue.
Gul told reporters that ''they did not consider insolubility a solution.''
This was the policy of the government, Gul said. But, he noted, it was obligatory to regard rights of both sides for a permanent solution.
Gul stated that a solution should be away from causing a new problem in the future.
Work on United Nations (U.N.) Secretary General Kofi Annan would continue, Gul said.
Gul said, ''doors have not been totally closed. But, I would like to once more stress that settlement of mutual good will and confidence is very important for all these.''
Turkey was always behind TRNC, Gul pointed out.
Noting that Turkey contributed to solution of economic problems of TRNC, Gul said that their contributions would continue.
Gul stated that his visit would be very fruitful and lead to new developments.
Replying to questions of reporters if Annan's plan was still valid for Turkish side, Gul said, ''doors have not been totally closed yet. Not only Turkish side but also the Greek Cypriot side opposed to Annan's plan. It is a big injustice to accuse only the Turkish side and Mr.Denktas. Doors are still open. We will work. But, I think that taking confidence building measures and good will efforts are very important.''
Asked if ''time would be limited for Cyprus after April 16,'' Gul said, ''everybody should take steps for a comprehensive solution, permanent solution, tranquility in Cyprus and to say 'Cyprus issue has been settled.' In this respect, April 16 is not the last date for all these initiatives.''
Upon another question, Gul said that any invitation of the Turkish side to the Greek Cypriot side was out of question.
Gul noted that they would make use of every platform for solution of Cyprus issue and be in a more active effort in the following days.
They would meet with their interlocutors in coming days, Gul stated.
Gul pointed out that Turkey and Greece were in cooperation in many fields.
There was nothing more natural than bringing the Cyprus issue onto the agenda during a meeting of the officials of the two countries, Gul said.
When he was reminded that he would meet with Iranian and Syrian foreign ministers in coming days, Gul said that he would meet with foreign ministers of not only those two countries but also with many other countries.
Gul noted that they wanted to have good relations with those two countries.
They would take up not only bilateral relations but also Northern Iraq during their meeting with the Tehran and Damascus administrations, Gul added.
(BRC) 05.04.2003