Turkey Calls on EU to Keep Cyprus Promise

Gul, reminding that Turkish Cypriots and Turkey expect much from the EU, said, "To make these expectations a reality is very important for the credibility of the EU’s promises."

Gul, Dektas, and Talat met for nearly four hours yesterday. "We discussed political and economic issues as well as topics dealing with the United Nations (UN) and EU in detail, and then exchanged opinions in order to determine the fundamental matters before us," explained Gul.

Gul pointed out that the international community has not yet followed through with the duties required of it based on the outcome of the April 24 referendum. He also emphasized that Turkey has no plan B for Cyprus.

TRNC Prime Minister Talat added, "The month of September is extremely critical for us. The statute related to free trade and 250 million euros of aid will be handled by the EU Council. The EU and the world have tasks to do and we demand that they be fulfilled. We want political equality and no longer want to remain isolated on the island."

Talat pointed out the necessity of a certain decision on Cyprus by December. To one question on the topic, he replied, "The talks cannot progress as long as we remain an unrecognized territory. There are, first of all, decisions to be taken by the EU Council."

Gul responded to the same question, "Can we say that I ignore the promises given?"

Talat, in his letter to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, made known TRNC’s concerns about the process on Cyprus.