Turkey Pleased With Cyprus’s Poll Results

But if the opposition had won, it might have seemed that those favoring acceptance of Kofi Annan’s plan just for European Union membership had won.’ The votes are so divided that it’s impossible for any one side to make a decision by itself. Any side trying to make a decision single-handedly would face a backlash from the other side, thus threatening a serious polarization and instability within the TRNC. These words I heard in Ankara are very important as well: ‘Of course TRNC President Rauf Denktas got this message. No side will treat Turkey stubbornly.’

Back in 1985, Denktas received 71% of votes in the first round of presidential elections. In the next elections the votes were divided due to Dervis Eroglu, but Denktas emerged successful in the second round as well. Up to now the opposition vote has never exceeded 30%. So what happened for the opposition to win 51% of the votes in the weekend’s elections? More importantly, what would happen if the process which cut Denktas’ votes from 70% to 49% were to continue?

Ankara will tell Denktas, ‘The results of the elections are clear. Bargains should be made over Annan’s plan to open the way for EU membership.’ Now Denktas should try to build a consensus among the TRNC’s various parties and tell both his nation and Ankara that he will open the way for EU membership towards this end. Now it’s time to convince the world that we want a solution by negotiating over Annan’s plan and making use of all available political opportunities. Denktas shouldn’t become a factional leader in his country, but should instead help the TRNC and Ankara pave the way for EU membership.”