STATEMENT BY THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTRY AND MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ASSOC.PROF TURGAY AVCI

The recent threatening statements by the Greek Foreign Minister Lillikas show that the efforts which have been intensified by the EU German Presidency for the adoption of the Direct Trade Regulation, the only goal of which is to allow the Turkish Cypriot people to engage in preferential trade, are, once again, obstructed by the Greek Cypriot side. It is amply clear that the Greek Cypriot administration is striving to have the European Union’s decision of 26 April 2004 deviate from its goal of lifting the isolations imposed upon the Turkish Cypriot people.

Lifting of the isolations will undoubtedly contribute towards the ongoing efforts aimed at bringing about a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue as well as relieving the Turkish Cypriot people whose most fundamental human rights are being violated, from the unacceptable situation into which they have been thrust.

In case the decision regarding the adoption of Direct Trade Regulation is decided to be taken by unanimity, it will open the way for the Greek Cypriot side manipulations to hinder the adoption and the implementation of the said Resolution. As a matter of fact, Lillikas’ statement that “unanimity is required for the adoption of the Regulation” confirms this worrisome matter.

In reality, the Greek Cypriot side which has been obstructing to reach a just and lasting solution in Cyprus, strives to maintain the isolations imposed upon the Turkish Cypriot people and preventing its integration with the world while claiming that “the Greek Cypriot administration wishes for proposals for the development of the Turkish Cypriot people” hence concealing its real intentions by projecting a positive image of itself and manipulating the world public opinion. Taking advantage of the usurped title of the “government of the Republic of Cyprus”, the Greek Cypriot side is aiming at a solution in Cyprus through “osmosis” by maintaining the isolations imposed upon the Turkish Cypriots. The only way to make the Greek Cypriots abandon their policy is to lift the restrictions imposed upon the Turkish Cypriot people without further delay.

The expectation of the Turkish Cypriot side from the EU is that it finalizes and implements the Direct Trade Regulation without further delay therefore upholding its decision of 26 April 2004.  We would like to remind once again that the adoption of the Direct Trade Regulation, as it is proposed by the EU Commission and without being subjected to preconditions, providing the TRNC with the opportunity to engage in direct trade in real sense is of great importance for us and is an obligation emanating from 26 April EU decision.  

15 Mart 2007, Lefkoşa