Annan plan would not operate until Turkey’s EU accession

ANKARA (AA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday that there is a connection between Turkey’s European Union membershipand reaching a solution in Cyprus dispute.

Addressing the parliament general assembly, Gul said that many parts of the Annan plan would not operate until Turkey becomes an EU member.

“Cyprus is a national problem. As the Greek Cypriot side will become an EU member, the government has decided to have a political will,” Gul said.

Stating that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas plays a historical role in the peace process, Gul said that Denktas thinks of both TRNC and Turkey and acts within such a great responsibility. “Denktas’s action surprised both the Greek Cypriot side and the international community,” he said.

Stating that the bi-zonality in the island must be taken under guarantee, Gul said, “If the borders would not be indented, then peace ıin the island can be provided. Permanent peace is what both sides desire…if peace is provided, the region would be the place of cooperation and common interests. The Mediterranean would become the place of cooperation.”