Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Serdar Denktas will depart for Ankara today (18 August) for an evaluation meeting on the Cyprus issue with Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul.

Speaking on a radio programme yesterday (17 August), Prime Minister Talat, on evaluating his Ankara visit and pointing out that the TRNC government was in close cooperation with the Turkish government, said in today’s evaluation meeting many issues would be taken up, such as Varosha, the regulations that would be brought on to the European Commission’s agenda in September and the Greek Cypriot side’s proposals.

Commenting on possible developments regarding Turkey getting a date for her entry into the EU, the Prime Minister defending the view that Turkey should get a date said if Turkey didn’t get a date it would be very bad situation.

The Prime Minister said: “If Turkey gets a date from the EU we should acknowledge the fact that Turkey’s position won’t be as strong as it is now. Despite this, Turkey should be given a date. While Turkey progresses towards EU membership, the Cyprus issue must also be settled. This is vital for Turkey’s definite membership”.

Pointing out that once Turkey gets a date from the EU the requests of the Greek Cypriot side will further increase, Prime Minister Talat said: “Ending the isolation will prove that, despite the Greek Cypriots voting ‘no’ in the referendum, certain things would change. Only then will we be able to destroy the policies implemented by the Greek Cypriot Administration and take a realistic step towards ensuring peace in Cyprus”.

Also evaluating Papadopoulos’ remarks that he didn’t want to meet with him, Prime Minister Talat said Papadopoulos was concerned and didn’t want to meet with him because by doing so his intransigence would clearly come to light.

Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat, in a letter written to the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, on 13 August 2004 conveyed his concerns and anxieties on developments since the 24 April 2004 referendum in Cyprus.

The full text of the Prime Minister’s letter is as follows:

“I would like to convey to you my concerns and anxieties on developments since the referenda held in Cyprus.

Your Excellency, once again I must express our profound appreciation for you fair, factual and forward looking report on your mission of good offices, submitted to the Security Council in the aftermath of the referenda held in Cyprus.

The Turkish Cypriot people and my Government were elated and heartened by assessment that “The Turkish Cypriot leadership and Turkey have made clear their respect for the wish of the Turkish Cypriots to reunify in a bicommunal, bizonal federation. The Turkish Cypriot vote has undone any rationale for pressuring and isolating them. I would hope that the members of the Council can give a strong lead to all States to cooperate both bilaterally and in international bodies, to eliminate unnecessary restrictions and barriers that have the effect of isolating the Turkish Cypriots and impeding their development – not for the purposes of affording recognition or assisting secession, but as a positive contribution to the goal of reunification”.

Furthermore, in paragraph 93 of your report you highlighted that: “I have already indicated my hope that Greek Cypriots will reflect on the outcome of this process in the coming months. In the meantime, I believe that the members of the Council should encourage the Turkish Cypriots, and Turkey, to remain committed to the goal of reunification. In this context and for that purpose and not for the purpose of affording recognition or assisting secession, I would hope they can give a strong lead to all States to cooperate both bilaterally and in international bodies to eliminate unnecessary restrictions and barriers that have the effect of isolating the Turkish Cypriots and impeding their development, deeming such a move as consistent with Security Council resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984)”.

Your Excellency, we are still committed to the goal of reunification and ready to do whatever necessary to achieve a sustainable peace on our island.

The obstructionist behaviour of the Greek Cypriot side, coupled with indecision and slowness by the European Union is extremely frustrating.

Your Excellency, lack of action and ineffectiveness on the part of the EU has led to disbelief and disappointment in Northern Cyprus. Positive statements emanating from the EU organs would not, as Your Excellency will agree, be a good substitute for concrete steps taken to create the desired effect.

If the EU is only going to act in line with the whims and wishes of the Greek Cypriot side then it is obvious that very little can be done. In this case my personal efforts would not suffice to sustain the positive outlook of my people much longer. Disappointment and gloom shall inevitably lead to hardening of attitudes amongst our people.

It is with these sentiments that I deemed it necessary to write and share the above with you. Unless positive steps are taken to ease the effects of policies of isolating Northern Cyprus, our people shall be disenchanted.

As you are well aware, the overwhelming majority of the people of Northern Cyprus have a high regard for your personal righteousness. They have a huge trust and confidence in your personal and official moral weight and believe that your sincere efforts shall help bring about a comprehensive settlement.

I appeal to your Excellency, to consider how best we can address the apparent inaction on the part of the EU. I do hope that you shall consider encouraging the EU to take positive and concrete steps towards our people to pave the way for a comprehensive settlement.