Talat: Turkey could not enter into the EU without a solution to the Cyprus problem
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (08.05.13) reports that the former Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat has claimed that Turkey really wants a solution to the Cyprus problem and that it shows this since 2003. Responding to a question during a TV program on illegal Bayrak, Talat alleged that Turkey realizes the importance of the solution and added that it is obvious that without a solution to the Cyprus problem Turkey could not enter into the European Union. Talat noted that in parallel to this, the Cyprus problem poisons Turkey’s all international relations and this is clearly seen in every step.
Assessing the view that the United States of America has stepped in the Cyprus problem, Talat said that he also saw that America’s interest is increasing. He noted that he had held a meeting with an American diplomat six months ago and he saw that the US had no interest in Cyprus then. Talat argued that the reason of America’s current interest in Cyprus is related to the improvement of the relations between Turkey and Israel by America, the increasing role of Turkey in the area and Turkey’s EU accession process.
Referring to the economic situation in the occupied area of Cyprus, Talat said that if Turkey had not given money to the breakaway regime, the situation in occupied area would have been much worse than the one in government-controlled area of the island and that they should act having all these in mind.
CNA