Cyprus-Forum.com

[brother]

Talat speaks about economic boom despite isolation allegation
Turkish daily MILLIYET newspaper (04.02.05 internet version) reports that the so-called prime minister of the occupation regime has declared that following the 24 April referendum, the number of tourists visiting the occupied area increased by 20%. MILLIYET reports that Talat had visited the paper's offices and answered questions put to him, regarding developments concerning the Cyprus problem.

Talat said that for the first time foreign investors have shown interest in the occupied area and said: "The Greek Cypriot tour operators say that next year north Cyprus as well will be included in the holiday packages and will be marketed". Talat went on and said: "The economy is on the offensive. Despite the fact that the non-removal of embargoes created disillusion there are positive developments in the economy. At this moment our situation is not the same, as it was prior to the referendum. The Greek Line Regulations are in force. Those who come from south and want to stay more than 24 hours in the north they could do so. Those who arrive in from the Ercan Airport could cross into the south. In 2005 the Greek Cypriot tour operators will be forced to market the north.

They have expressed this verbally. And when the Westerners cross into the north they have realized that the Turks are not spectres or ghosts´ and more started coming. There is 20% increase in the number of tourists arriving in the "TRNC". There are people who say that `Property is cheaper here´ and they invest. In the property sector the British are top in the list, and then come the Israelis. There are investment activities. A Jewish company with British roots is working for a marina. Because of the competition we have reduced the VAT (Value Added Tax). For the first time in history there were decreases in the prices.

Subtitle: Protocol does not mean recognition:

The protocol that the EU wants Turkey to sign does not mean diplomatic recognition of the south Cyprus. I do not say: `Turkey must sign this´, but an end should be put. The Greek Cypriot side is exerting pressure on the EU Commission so that the protocol could be signed until the end of February. This is not a must. The important date is 3rd October. In my opinion, what is envisaged is to settle this issue (Cyprus problem) before 3rd October. Turkey also wants to get rid of this pressure.

This protocol is hanging like the Democlean Sword. In order for the EU to force Papadopoulos to sit around the negotiations table, signing of this protocol will be beneficial. This is not recognition; it means normalizing and increasing the relations.

Subtitle: Ship comes ports open:

Following the signature if the Greek Cypriots demand their ships to be admitted in the Turkish ports, in that case we say: `What will happen to Kyrenia and Famagusta ports and Ercan Airport, they should also open to international traffic. Otherwise our economy flows to south, and this is contrary to the EU will. We do not want EU documents to be used to weaken the TRNC´s economy.

Subtitle: We do not evade the unification

Our new policy is in harmony with the world´s language. We do not change this policy. If we do so, we will crash against the wall. What is this policy; It is a demand of unification and be in the EU. We have an image now in the world. We cannot tarnish it now. If we came against the unification, we will see Papadopoulos jumping into air in joy. Regarding these policies we are in agreement with Ankara. One thing is obvious that in the period ahead, Papadopoulos will be under heavy pressure. The Americans during a meeting in the USA said: `We could use the recognition of the "TRNC" card against the Greek Cypriot Administration´. This is totally new thing. Will this bring result? Will they do it? We will see. The extreme chauvinistic approach of the Greek Cypriot administration is effecting the integration process.

Subtitle: The NUP is getting eroded

We will come out as the first party from the elections. Our target is to get votes above 40%. We are on the rise. The National Unity Party is getting eroded. Serdar Denktas´s problem is his father.

Subtitle: Withdrawal of troops should not be debated

I do believe that there should be no talk about whether to withdraw troops or not. If we debate this then we will fall into the trap of those who claim that the Cyprus problem is a problem of occupation. The Greek Cypriots whom I know a little bit, if we say: `We are withdrawing one thousand troops this will be enough for them to declare next day that the issue is an occupation issue.

Two days after the 24 April referendum, the Cyprus problem was debated at the Foreign Relations Committee of the European Union. I was also attending the meeting. There the Greek Cypriots referred to the number of the Turkish troops and said that the number is too high. And Verheugen replied to them: `Since you have said no in the referendum this number could increase more´.

Subtitle: 53 new hotels are under constructions

Existing bed capacity: 12 thousand

Overnight stay: 1.5 million

Income from tourism (2004): 271 million USD

Foreign tourist (arrival) 2004): 500 thousand USD

Targeted tourism income: 500 million USD

Investments under construction: 53 hotels

Increase in the bed capacity for 53 hotels: 9 thousand

[-mikkie2-]

This is just one of the many conflicting and contradictory statements being made by Talat on various issues.

Other examples are the respose to Tassos regarding the 'promises' made by the EU - we were not made promises by the EU in order to vote 'yes' to the plan, yet when talking to the Turkish press he complains that the EU did not keep its promises to the TC's after their 'yes' in the referendum.

[insan]

This is just one of the many conflicting and contradictory statements being made by Talat on various issues.

Other examples are the respose to Tassos regarding the 'promises' made by the EU - we were not made promises by the EU in order to vote 'yes' to the plan, yet when talking to the Turkish press he complains that the EU did not keep its promises to the TC's after their 'yes' in the referendum.

Well said mikkie. Absolutely right!


It seems Talat has been brushed by some EU officials in Brussels concerning his words accusing EU for not keeping its promises.

[brother]

Talat is just confused and we all hope he starts to get his facts right.