SERDAR DENKTAS: “NO ONE CAN EXPECT US TO SPEND ANOTHER 40-YEARS IN ENGAGING IN EFFORTS FOR A SECOND CHANCE”

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Serdar Denktas, speaking to the Die Presse daily in Vienna stated that no one could expect the Turkish Cypriots to spend another 40-years in engaging in efforts for a second chance.

Pointing out that he still believed a settlement could be reached on the Cyprus issue, Serdar Denktas stressed that the current aim was to end the isolation and benefit from the sympathy gained after the referendum result. He said: “However, we can’t wait forever for the Greek Cypriots to take action. The most we’ll wait is 1-year. After this, by redirecting ourselves we will have to engage in efforts for recognition. No one can expect the Turkish Cypriots to spend another 40-years in engaging in efforts for a second chance”.

Explaining that despite the referendum result acceptance of the Greek Cypriot side’s EU accession was “not fair”, Serdar Denktas said:

“Referendums were carried out on both sides. The Greek Cypriot side rejected the Annan Plan, whereas the Turkish Cypriots accepted it. Despite the Greek Cypriots rejecting of the plan to reunite the island, they are now an EU member. Whereas we’ve been excluded and the isolation still continues”.

Reminding that the international community had promised to end the isolation, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs said the Turkish Cypriot side was now waiting for this promise to materialize. He said: Diplomatic gains are not important for people. The standard of living and the economy has not improved, this isolation is constantly felt. We believe we’ve been deceived by the international community. The property issue should be settled as envisaged in the Annan Plan. Then, it’s necessary to establish two sovereign states with a single voice within the EU. This is the best settlement”.

TEXT OF THE STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. SERDAR R. DENKTAŢ DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE TURKISH REPUBLIC OF NORTHERN CYPRUS DISTRIBUTED AT THE 31ST SESSION OF THE ISLAMIC CONFERENCE OF FOREIGN MINISTERS HELD IN ISTANBUL, REPUBLIC OF TURKEY BETWEEN 14-16 JUNE, 2004.

PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED BY US AMBASSADORS
STUART HOLLIDAY AND THOMAS WESTON
ON JUNE 8, 2004

IS THERE A "GOVERNMENT OF CYPRUS?" - Michael Steven

PRIME MINISTER TALAT’S LETTER TO VERHEUGEN (24.05.04)

TURKISH CYPRIOTS SAY "LIFT EMBARGO NOW AND HELP US TO COMPENSATE PROPERTY-OWNERS ON BOTH SIDES"

EXCERPTS FROM STATEMENTS AND DECISIONS/RESOLUTIONS ABOUT THE REFERANDA HELD IN CYPRUS ON 24 APRIL 2004

REFERENDUM 
RESULTS IN THE FOREIGN PRESS

NEGOTIATION PROCESS

WHAT WE WANT? - Rauf R. Denktaţ, 
2 December 2003

SERIES OF ARTICLES AND PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING THE PRESENT CONDITION OF TURKISH CYPRIOT VILLAGES IN SOUTH CYPRUS