Turkey Embarks on Offensive against Embargo

Both the Turkish Cabinet Council and the National Security Council (MGK) discussed the details of commencing a diplomatic offensive in coordination with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The Foreign Ministry briefed ambassadors and mission chiefs of the European Union (EU) countries in Ankara, calling on them to ‘ease up on TRNC’.

A statement released after the MGK meeting declared that the Greek side’s accession to E.U. on May 1, despite an overwhelming rejection of the Annan plan, and the exclusion of the Turkish Side, which approved the plan, was contradictory and unjust. In addition, it was stated: "The determination shown by Turkey and the Cypriot-Turkish side for solution in the referenda should be taken into account by international institutions and states. The restrictions applied to TRNC should be eliminated while promises for some political, economic and social improvements are kept."

MGK described the attitudes taken during the negotiation process as efforts to find the truth. They stressed that Turkey’s responsibilities towards TRNC and the Turkish people’s unity and cooperation became even more important today.

Government spokesman and Justice Minister, Cemil Cicek, in his statement after the Cabinet Council meeting stressed that it was understood that the real source of dissolution was the Greek Side. He added that the Greek administration should not be allowed to maintain its claim that it also represents the Turkish side.

Cicek delivered a message to international community that they should cease with the restrictions and embargo on the Cypriot Turks. Cicek indicated that Turkey was sad since the Greek Side rejected the most comprehensive and serious solution plan ever presented. "We hope that the international community will not allow the Greek side to exploit E.U. membership and the Cyprus issue," Cicek added.