"Referendum before May 1 to be most sound development"

Talat attended the meeting of Ankara Industry Chamber (ASO) and expressed his views about solution of Cyprus problem.

Noting that there were two different views about Cyprus issue, Talat said that one of those views was to leave the Cyprus issue hanging in the air until December and the other one was to take concrete steps for solution before May 1. Talat said that he shared the second view.

Talat said that many infrastructure investments were made in TRNC, but this could not contribute to economy, adding that the cost of Cyprus problem continued to increase. Talat said that Turkey recorded great progress on its EU membership bid, adding that an EU country should not have a serious border problem with another EU country.

Talat stressed that it was not possible to sort out the Cyprus problem before solving the property problem in Cyprus, adding that it would be more difficult to solve this issue after May 1.

Talat said that many EU countries favored to start negotiations with Turkey if the latter fulfilled Copenhagen criteria, adding that one of the most debated issues in Cyprus question was the issue of referendum.

Talat said that referendum also meant finalizing an agreement, adding that the issues on which no compromise was reached would be submitted to people for vote before approval of the governments, and if accepted, they would go into force.

Noting that the issue of referendum was being discussed and if no response was found to that, it would be risky to start negotiations about the solution of Cyprus issue. Talat added that yet U.N. Secretary General could develop different attitudes about this issue and soften the issue.

Talat said that their aim was to resume Cyprus talks because solution of Cyprus issue till May 1 was for the benefit of Turkish Cypriots.

The Greek Cypriot side and Greece changed their stance as they perceived the situation and started to maneuver, Talat noted.

Talat stressed that the move of the Greek Cypriot side and Greece was natural and said that it was the target of those parties not to reach a solution in Cyprus till May.

In case a solution was not reached in Cyprus till May, Cyprus would be represented in EU by only Greek Cypriots, Talat said.

Talat noted that joining EU unilaterally was an important advantage for the Greek Cypriots.

"A solution with a referendum before May 1 will be the most sound development for us which will take our rights under guarantee. Because, since the text on which a referendum will be held and which will be adopted will point to an agreement, this text will be one taking our rights under guarantee. Then, common institutions will start exerting efforts," Talat said.

Talat stated that one of the critical issues in process of solving Cyprus issue was joint action of Turkey and TRNC.

Points of view of Turkey and Turkish Cypriots towards Cyprus issue were different, Talat said.

Talat noted that differences of opinion between Turkey and Turkish Cypriots should be eliminated and points of view should be united.

Policy of TRNC government was to continue searches for a solution together and in harmony with TRNC president, Talat pointed out.

Talat said, "a government starts to deal with Cyprus issue for the first time. Negotiation process will be carried out together with the president for the first time. This mission has been undertaken by only the president so far. But, the government and president will carry out talks process together for the first time. This is an outcome of extraordinary conditions and is very important."

"As a result, Turkish and TRNC governments are exerting efforts for a solution in Cyprus till May. Our aim is to settle the issue preserving our rights and interests. There is an expression that ‘give and get rid of.’ This isn’t used in Cyprus because if we give, we can’t get rid of. If Turkey gives, it may get rid of, but we can’t get rid of it. Therefore, it is not an expression valid for us. There is not any Turkish Cypriot who has such an intention. I don’t think there is anybody who thinks so in Turkey. You can be sure of it," Talat noted.

Talat stated that solution of Cyprus issue preserving rights and interests of Turkish Cypriots was the most important patriotism to pave the way for Turkey, adding that they were exerting efforts to that end.