PM Warns Media not to Agitate the Greeks

Erdogan emphasized that Turkey wants the negotiations to be concluded, not broken. He feels that if a party has to withdraw from the table it should be the Greek side, and then only with their saying, ‘Together we have achieved a successful conclusion to the negotiations.’

The Press Council and Turkish Journalists Association showed their displeasure regarding Erdogan’s demand to keep the media in the dark during the negotiations.

Erdogan emphasized that only Turkey recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and clarified that in the case of an agreement, the Turkish side would have much to gain. "We want a solution on the Cyprus issues before May 1st. If a solution is reached, you cannot imagine how much TRNC would gain. The international community would invest in Northern Cyprus. As it stands now, it is only recognized by Turkey. In southern Cyprus, this is not the case. The Turkish side will enter E.U. as the United Republic of Cyprus if an agreement is reached. Southern Cyprus will either share the qualification of being a state or a new state will emerge. Turkish will become an official language of the E.U. I cannot personally imagine the value of such a recognition as a state," said Erdogan.

Erdogan conceded that Turkey was not even able to conduct all the necessary requirements to recognize TRNC. He cited an example from the sporting world to clarify his point. Erdogan said that the Turkish teams are allowed to have matches with the Greek teams [on Cyprus]; however, they are not allowed to play against TRNC teams.

When asked about what might happen if the Greeks reject a referendum, the Prime Minister first remarked that he had been asked a similar question by E.U. officials and then he answered, ‘they have no remedy but the solution.’

Erdogan wants nothing less than a just solution. ‘We are acting with the win-win strategy,’ said Erdogan. The main points currently are the reinforcement of the bi-zonality, guarantorship and a plain map. The Prime Minister concluded: ‘If these are achieved then the rest will be solved easily. We will rescue the future generations."