Gul: Government has the Final Word on Cyprus

Gul spoke at the Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) parliamentary group meeting behind closed doors. He conveyed an anecdote from the Cyprus negotiations last week in Switzerland. During the talks, Gul was asked by Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Foreign Minister, Serdar Denktas, "Did you reach a consensus on this subject with the [National Security Council] MGK?" Has the Military been told?" Gul replied: "Mr. Denktas, Turkey has changed. Things are not conducted as they were in the old days. The civilian authority both undertakes responsibility and gives the final decision. The authority rests with the government."

Within this context, Gul added that the responsibility given by the National Security Council (MGK) to the government is a "democratic" process.

The Foreign Minister informed the deputies that TRNC President, Rauf Denktas, Turkish President, Ahmet Necdet Sezer and military officials were briefed on every step of the Cyprus talks.

"Studies are conducted together. Even during the difficult times, President Denktas sent the message, ‘don’t leave the table,’" said Gul. He also said that the solution in Cyprus is "inevitable."