‘Turkey to Offer More Lands in Return For an Agreement’

In the news article, speaking to foreign correspondents on Wednesday, March 3, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is said to have mentioned the ‘land offer’ and that Turkey is ready to make more gestures. It was reported that when answering the European correspondents, Erdogan did not mention a specific amount of land to be offered; however, it was noted in the article that his deputies hinted the amount would be higher than what is stated in the Annan plan.

The Annan plan calls for the Cypriot-Turkish side to give up about 20 percent of their land, lowering the portion of Cyprus under their control form 36 percent to 29 percent. The plan also envisages that Cypriot-Greeks in south would return to north in such a way as to constitute only 21 percent of the population.

Reportedly, in his talk with the foreign press, Erdogan also touched upon Turkey and its relations with European Union (EU). He said: "Turkey’s accession to the membership will change the image of E.U. in the world, primarily in the Islamic world. The Union will no longer be viewed as a ‘Christians only’ club."