Denktas: I Will Beat Him, Not You!
Denktas interfered when Papadopulous mocked PM Talat , saying that: We thought you were pro-EU what happened to you now?
Giving account on the backstage developments, Denktas said "We received a crypt, as the instruction of Foreign Minister Gul. It said that "We support your proposal. " Ugur Ziyal (Foreign ministry Undersecretary) said that the decision was "Taken by consulting all institutions, including the general staff. This was the first time that Turkey got directly responsible. "
At one point, Denktas also admitted that if he were in the shoes of Greek Cypriots (Who will be admitted in any case, as a member to EU by May1) , he would be reluctant to compromise too.
Denktas also confessed that it was PM Mehmet Ali Talat who talked him in flying to New York, when he was on the verge of not do.
"Ankara provided the most excellent support to us. Should we have accepted the Annan Plan last year in Annan and place it to a referendum, that would be a disaster and benefit Greek Cypriots only. The plan was modified three times and still, both us, and Greek Cypriots want it to be modified. Now both Turkey and Greece joined the process too. Untel now, Greece constantly evaded responsibility. The current situation is an important development for us."
Denktas said "So far, I stated several times that I will withdraw, but did not say this as a threat. If Turkey does not want me, I will do so. A said (To Turkish officials): "Come on,. Tell me boldly that you do not want me!" But they said "No, we need you."
When I told PM Talat that I must withdraw now, he wisely, told me "That will put us into a difficult position, will be a message to our people to reject the agreement, in a referendum. However, your duty is to do whatever you can, to benefit our people."
"ASIA MINOR" BLOW
A joking, call Denktas outside the meeting, becomes stern and firm inside. After Papadopulous proposed to include EU into the process as arbitrator, Denktas mentioned the "Asi Minor Disaster" which was a law recently passed by the Greek Cypriot side. After Denktas recalls that "This law is about the rescue of Izmir city from the Greek occupation and says that you "Vow to mark it every year and that, Cyprus is an inseparable part of Greece", suddenly the meeting froze. Then Denktas continued that "This law, published in your official gazette, displays your policy towards Turks. It was Greece that invaded Izmir and burned it too! You are unaware of history! That is why we want Greece to be in the process too. Let it share the responsibility with Turkey! " Then, Annan wanted to read the Greek Cypriot law about Izmir and give a recess. That was how Greek Cypriots accepted the proposal of Denktas to have Turkey and Greece in the process.
