‘Taiwan Model no Solution, Search Continues’

Denktas spoke yesterday at a conference organized at Yeditepe University. Denktas said that the Cyprus issue was no longer the problem of Turkey, but ‘of the Republic of Cyprus and the European Union (EU)’ instead. "If the Greek Cypriot side does not change its attitude, both Turkey and [TRNC] should set off and strive towards recognition," Denktas added.

The TRNC Foreign Minister stressed that Turkey and TRNC should take the initiative instead of just waiting around for promises to be fulfilled. Denktas admitted that gaining recognition for TRNC is difficult, although there are no United Nations (UN) sanctions.

Denktas continued: "The Taiwan model has been discussed a lot these days. It has been talked about in political terms, not in economic terms. It is not a model that we are particularly close to. We will keep up our search for a solution for the time being by going on our way and opening up the road of our people. However, we cannot wait forever for the Greek Cypriots to come around."