HONORABLE STAND OF TRNC IS IMPORTANT FOR US

Participating as a guest speaker in a TV program, "Moderator" on Kanal 24, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator, Egemen Bagis replied questions on the recent developments about TRNC.

Indicating "TRNC was having the most prosperous era of its history "; Egemen Bagis noted that after these efforts of Turkey "Certain opposition groups in the TRNC were trying to achieve their own ambitions over Turkey and they were fueling the incidents."

Reminding the words of Aziz Nesin "People are fonder of those to whom they give away than those whom give away to them" Bagis continued his speech as follows:

"Cyprus is Foster-land for Turkey; we have always protected and served our Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters. There can be also some domestic violence, but we can overcome these difficulties. They also know very well that without Turkey's efforts and guarantees the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus would fall under the Greek Cypriot domination. We have some very serious strategic sensitivities there."

As regards the influence of Cyprus on Turkey-EU and the claim that chapters would be opened provided that Turkey opens up its ports, Bagis said that Turkey would do it in return that the EU ends the isolation of northern Cyprus and the EU airlines start flights to Ercan Airport.

Bagis also denied the Cyprus issue would be an obstacle preventing Turkey’s EU accession and reminded his saying that “Port for a port, carry on the road”.

Egemen Bagis said, “Our brothers and sisters in Cyprus should know that, we are facing some slowdowns, for their honourable stand, even in the accession process. Yet we will overcome those difficulties. Turkey will neither abandon Cyprus for the EU nor the EU for Cyprus”.

Source: AA