29th October 2003 - 26th April 2004

REMARKS BY H.E. ABDULLAH GUL, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY,

ANKARA, APRIL 24, 2004

We regret that the UN Secretary General’s proposal for a comprehensive settlement submitted to referenda on the two sides of the Island today has been rejected by the Greek Cypriot side. The rejection by the Greek Cypriot side of the most comprehensive and serious settlement plan to date regarding the Cyprus issue, which was brought about by the efforts of the UN Secretary General and the initiative taken by Turkey recently, has led to the loss of an important opportunity. This development has also clearly revealed the real source of opposition to a solution in Cyprus.

The Turkish side has always been in favor of a just and lasting solution in Cyprus. However, the results of the referenda demonstrated that the Greek Cypriot side was not ready for a new partnership and co-existence and reconciliation with the Turkish Cypriots. At the same time, the Greek Cypriot policy of blaming the Turkish side and Turkey with intransigence through distortion of facts has also gone bankrupt.

The UN Secretary General’s proposal for a comprehensive settlement was aimed at reaching a balanced compromise in Cyprus before 1 May 2004, and the full membership of the Island to the EU under a new partnership structure and as a whole on that date. The said proposal, based on the notion that the future of the Island would be co-determined by the Turkish and Greek Cypriots, had foreseen the establishment of a new bi-zonal partnership formed by the two equal constituent states. The UN Secretary General’s proposal stipulated that in case one of the sides voted „no“, the Plan would be null and void. Unfortunately, this is what we face today.

These referenda, which were held for the first time in the Island following the UN negotiation process of almost 30 years, have created a new situation in Cyprus. The international community has to analyze and assess this situation accurately. We believe that the two peoples on the Island should draw necessary conclusions from this new situation and live side by side in peace and security.

The results of the referenda have also created a highly paradoxical situation for the EU. On one hand the EU is admitting to membership the party which has voted against a solution and the unification of the Island, while on the other leaving out in the open the party wishing to find a solution and unite the Island.

Under the circumstances, we expect the Greek Cypriot political leadership and international community to remove the unjust and illegitimate embargoes and restrictions, imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people. Through this referendum, the Turkish Cypriot people have demonstrated their desire to integrate with the World. No one has the right to further isolate the Turkish Cypriot people in the international arena. We expect the international community to respond favorably to this call of the Turkish Cypriots. It is now high time for the international community to assume its obligations towards the Turkish Cypriot people, who live in a pluralistic democratic structure respecting human rights.

As a country contributing to enhancing security and stability in her region and in the World, Turkey has set for itself, as a strategic objective, full membership to the EU. In the same vein, Turkey will continue to spend efforts to further develop its relations with Greece. We hope that Greece will duly assess this new situation that emerged in the Island and adopt a consistent and constructive attitude.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot people will continue to find motherland Turkey at their side. We are confident that the Turkish Cypriot people will maintain their unity and harmony. Turkey will fulfill its obligations with regard to the prosperity and well-being of the Turkish Cypriot people. Nobody should doubt this.

Although it has not been possible to achieve a positive result, today, we wish to extend our gratitude to the United Nations team, first and foremost to the UN Secretary-General, who have deployed great efforts, during the past four years, in order to reach a successful outcome in this exercise, as well as to the countries concerned, for their contributions.

"We believe that Ottawa Convention (Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction) is a major achievement of the international community towards the total elimination of anti-personnel mines. We sincerely hope that with the joint initiative of Turkey and Greece to become party to this convention, the efforts aimed at demining our region in particular, and the world in general, would gain a new impetus and vigor. This is also a fulfillment of our responsibility to humanity.

As you all know, the constructive initiatives undertaken during the dialogue process between Turkey and Greece have yielded fruitful results.

As you would recall, in 2001 by a joint statement Turkey and Greece announced their decision to become parties to the Ottawa Convention.

They have also decided to present their accession documents to the United Nations simultaneously. This underlines their resolve to destroy the anti-personel mines in their region.

This ceremony is yet another manifestation of the willingness of Turkey and Greece to cooperate for the enhancement of peace and security in the region.

-I hope and believe this will pave the way for further cooperation in other areas as well.

-Canada has been an ardent promoter of this Convention and therefore deserves our praise.

-I would like to thank my Greek and Canadian colleagues for their efforts and cooperation. I would also like to express our appreciation to Secretary General Kofi Annan and Under-Secretary General Mr. Jean-Marie Guehenno for their support throughout this process"