Erdogan: Turkey to Make No Concessions on Cyprus

PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had important messages for the European Union upon his arrival in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to attend the 32nd anniversary commemoration of the Turkish operation on the island.



Erdogan was met by TRNC Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer upon his arrival at Ercan Airport, and told him, "We've fulfilled our obligations, and the international community should immediately lift the unfair sanctions imposed on Turkish Cyprus." Erdogan made clear that Turkey will not make any concessions.



Later on, Erdogan held a joint press conference with TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat following a meeting between the two leaders. Erdogan reiterated that Turkey wants a UN-backed solution to the Cyprus problem. "The world should remove the isolations imposed on the TRNC so that Turkey may fulfill its responsibilities. We have always supported a peaceful solution, and will continue to do so."



Furthermore, Erdogan stressed Turkey will continue to be a "brother" to the TRNC as it has done in the past. Talat also offered support for Erdogan's peace plan, and called on Greece and Greek Cyprus to do the same. Turkey welcomed the message that UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan may step in to resolve the Cyprus issue, and highlighted the importance of Greek Cypriot's starting negotiations.



Erdogan reassured the TRNC saying, "Don't worry. We will not open Turkish ports to Greek Cypriot traffic." Erdogan later met former Turkish Cypriot President Rauf Denktas at his office. "We are pursuing your goals. We will make no concessions over the Cyprus issue," Erdogan reportedly told Denktas, reported Zaman.



To remind, the EU has warned Turkey of the possible breakdoen of the talks id Ankara fails to put into operation the additional protocol to the customs union that was signed in July, 2005. The union provides for opening of Turkish ports to Greek Cypriot traffic.