Denktas Comes Worried but Returns Happy
Commerce (ATO). After convening with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Gul, Denktas returned to Cyprus seemingly more optimistic and relaxed. Contrary to his messages from earlier in the day, Denktas said after meeting with Gul that he has ‘hope for reaching a solution by May 1.’
Denktas, during his address at the ATO, insisted that a ‘just solution’ must be the outcome of the Cyprus negotiations. Denktas added that the Cypriot Turkish delegation is in accord with Ankara. He warned that if they cannot have what they want, they will fight against the Annan plan. He underlined that "as is, the Annan plan is a plan for destroying Cypriot Turks.
"No one can put us into E.U. by force. We will not let them usurp our rights in return for access to the E.U.," continued Denktas. "If we cannot take what we want, and if our [fundamental principles] are not given to us, the only option left for us is to fight for them."
He also complained that the Cypriot Turks were receiving very little support in the media.
Former President Suleyman Demirel, Republican People’s Party (CHP) Deputy Leader Onur Oymen, Democratic Left Party (DSP) Leader Bulent Ecevit, Felicity Party (SP) Acting Leader Recai Kutan, Great Union Party (BBP) Leader Muhsin Yazicioglu and Osman Durmus of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) were in attendance to hear Denktas’ speech.
Later, convening with Gul in the evening, Denktas said that he was hopeful for the solution now and he was relaxed by the information Gul imparted to him. Denktas disclosed that Gul briefed him on his recent meetings abroad and added: "I am returning to the Island full of hope. The information I was given comforted me a great deal."
On the other side, when asked about the content of the message that put Denktas at ease, Gul declined to answer and said only: "We would not tell everything at this stage."
Denktas then met with Erdogan and reportedly it was a very warm talk.Denktas said that they try their best to make Cyprus a bridge of peace between Turkey and Greece.
