AMBASSADOR GAZİOĞLU : “EMBARGOES
SHOULD BE LIFTED”
The TRNC’s Ambassador to Ankara Tamer
Gazioğlu, stating that the only way to reach settlement was the lifting of
the existing embargoes, called upon the Western countries and Islamic
world to take more concrete steps.
Speaking to the New Anatolian newspaper
Gazioğlu, said: “While the Turkish Cypriots’ desire for a settlement
continues, the Greek Cypriots still refuse to share power”.
Gazioğlu stated that the issues of
demilitarization and returning Varosha to the Greek Cypriots could be
discussed as part of a comprehensive settlement and should not be
considered as a confidence building measure.
Pointing out that since the Turkish
Cypriots’ ‘yes’ vote in the 24 April 2004 referendum, there has been a
positive approach towards the Turkish Cypriots from the world, Gazioglu
said the international community should take more concrete steps towards
lifting the embargoes.
Tamer Gazioğlu stating that since 1963,
Turkey has always worked closely in cooperation with and supported the
TRNC financially, said the amount of financial aid made by Turkey to the
TRNC since 1974 exceeded 3.5 Billion Dollars and this year it is 175
Million Euro.
EMBARGOED GROUP IN BRUSSELS
Turkish Cypriots will today (26 April
2006) stage a demonstration in Brussels and condemn the continuation of
the unjust embargoes.
According to information received from
the UK-based NGO entitled “Embargoed”, a large number of demonstrators
will today travel to Brussels from the TRNC and UK in order to protest the
EU, which has been unsuccessful in lifting the unjust embargoes imposed on
the Turkish Cypriots and their ethnic motherland the TRNC.
In a statement issued by the
demonstrators, which was called “Embargoed in Brussels” and is going to be
staged on the second anniversary of the EU Council of Ministers decision,
that envisaged financial aid to the Turkish Cypriots and the start of
direct trade with the TRNC, it was reminded that neither of the existing
embargoes on the TRNC were lifted.
The statement said : “15 other NGOs are
participating and giving support to our demonstration, which will be
staged at the heart of the EU at the gate of the EU Council of Ministers
building in order to protest the EU, which could not show the
determination to enforce its own decision on lifting the 42 years old
embargoes. The Council, just 2 days after the historical referendum on 26
April 2004 had announced that the isolation was over. At the referendum
65% of the Turkish Cypriots said yes to the Annan Plan, whereas the 76% of
Greek Cypriots refused it. Since 1 May 2004, which is the date when Cyprus
became full EU member, only Greek Cypriots are benefiting from the
advantages of the EU”.
