Denktaş: “Solution in Cyprus is not possible as long as the Greek Cypriots wish for ownership of the island”

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Serdar Denktaş gave a speech at a panel titled “The Cyprus Case and the Latest Developments in the Negotiations” organized by the Ankara Forum Association yesterday evening.

Noting that a meeting was held between the leaders yesterday, Denktaş said “A solution could not be found in Cyprus because the Turkish Cypriot side is struggling together with Turkey to achieve a partnership state in Cyprus but the Greek Cypriot side has only one target and that is ownership. That is why a solution is not possible in Cyprus.”

Furthermore, Denktaş stated that the US and EU can demand that a referendum be held. He continued: “A referendum may be held after April. After April, elections will be held in South Cyprus. It seems that the process will be delayed. We, as Turkish Cypriots, have been living in uncertainty for more than a half century. Why? Because the negotiations are continuing. 50 years passed. The world does not have any right to make the Turkish Cypriots live in uncertainty anymore. It seems that a solution will not be reached. That is why the Turkish Cypriots’ future should be made clear”.

Denktaş also pointed out that Turkish Cypriot people are following the negotiations with great sensitivity. He said that the most important areas being discussed in the negotiations are the Guarantees and the existence of the Turkish soldiers in the island. Without these, he said that the majority of the people will vote ‘no’ in any referendum.