Cyprus issue must be completed together with Denktas

ANKARA (AA) – Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on late Saturday that his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is in favor of carrying out the Cyprus negotiations with the participation of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas and overcoming the dispute with him.

“There cannot be any disagreement between the TRNC and the Turkish government on the sine quo non conditions and the recent steps have been taken after long negotiations among us, Erdogan said in response to private NTVs questions.

Stating that neither Turkey nor TRNC would compensate from the sine qua nons and the government would absolutely not step back on those issues, Erdogan said about Denktas not attending the quartet meetings, “Mr. Denktas thinks that the Greek Cypriot administration does not carry good will on this issue as it tries to use the advantage of May 1 date against the TRNC. This idea cannot be disregarded but it’s not also possible to solve it by withdrawing from the negotiations.”

“If the Turkish side cannot see any goodwill from the Greek Cypriots, then the motherland and TRNC would reach a decision together at the quartet meetings. We have showed our goodwill since the very beginning and we will continue to act in this way but if the other side does not respond to our goodwill then we would certainly make our decision on the sine qua nons,” Erdogan said.

Asked about Denktas deciding for attending the quartet meetings, “We favor of carrying out the issue with Denktas and reach a solution with him,” Erdogan said adding that Denktas has undeniable experiences.