Ercakýca: “Papadopoulos administration is creating a great danger for our island and the whole region”

3 years have passed since the 24 April referendum. Since the date of 24 April was the closest we got to the solution of the Cyprus problem, it was one of the major turning points of Cyprus history. Unfortunately, because of the Greek Cypriot “no” vote, today, we are not able to celebrate this date as the anniversary of a solution.

However, along with the missed solution, the 24 April referendum has many other meanings for the Turkish Cypriots. The most important of all, by supporting the peace policy in Cyprus, Turkish Cypriots have showed the world which side is in favour of a solution and peace in Cyprus. This has paved the way for the Turkish Cypriots and by being a part of a policy which the whole world supports, increased its prestige in the world. As a reflection of this our arguments regarding the Cyprus problem are apprehended and supported in the international arena. As a country supporting the solution of the Cyprus problem, Turkey also has started to overcome the difficulties stemming from the Cyprus problem more easily.

The developments in the international relations of the Turkish Cypriots in the past three years have adequately proven the rightness of the Turkish Cypriots while saying “yes” to the UN solution plan.

What should be done hereafter is to work continuously to enhance this climate and explain more effectively the right cause of the Turkish Cypriots to the world. The necessary basis in reaching this goal has been achieved by the 24 April referendum.

The “yes” vote has changed the relations which other states and international organisations have established with the Turkish Cypriot side.

The UN Secretariat had prepared a comprehensive report which could contribute to the Turkish Cypriots struggle for existence. This report will remain as a historical document certifying the developments which took place in Cyprus.

Despite all these positive developments, we must underline that the results of the 24 April referendum couldn’t lead to the solution of the Cyprus problem which is the main goal of the Turkish Cypriots. The Greek Cypriots “no” vote which was a result of the negative stance of the Greek Cypriot leadership has prevented the solution of the Cyprus problem.

The Greek Cypriot “no” vote has created certain tensions in the international relations of the Papadopoulos administration but failed to produce concrete results to date. Therefore, Papadopoulos can continue to challenge the whole world. Papadopoulos’ declaration at a speech on the third anniversary of 24 April referendum that it is the Greek Cypriot side is the one who shapes the Cyprus problem, is a major incitement. Speaking proudly about his role, entailing various misleading campaigns, pressures and manipulation, at the rejection of a plan which had the support of the whole world should be taken into consideration by the global powers which favour the solution of the Cyprus problem as much as we do.

The stage that we reached at the third anniversary of the 24 April referendum clearly demonstrates that because of the inability to challenge its intransigence stance, Papadopoulos administration is creating a great danger for our island and the whole region. The osmosis policy pursued by the Greek Cypriot administration is not only delaying the solution of the Cyprus problem but also continuously raising the tension on the island. Otherwise, it will not be possible to find a solution the Cyprus problem. The only way to challenge this Greek Cypriot policy is to end the isolations of the Turkish Cypriots.

On the third anniversary of the 24 April referendum, we would like to take attention to the unfairness of the isolations on Northern Cyprus since the basis for the isolations became null after the referendum. The hesitation of the international community to lift the isolations of Turkish Cypriots is the main source of power for Papadopoulos’ mentality which prevents the solution of the Cyprus problem.