Denktas comments on the economy of the regime and other issues

Turkish Cypriot daily Bakis (23.08.11) reports that Serdar Denktas, leader of the Democratic Party (DP) commented yesterday on the report announced by the Turkish self-styled embassy to the occupied part of Lefkosia regarding the economy of the breakaway regime. In statements to a television program on AS TV, Denktas said that the investments made in the occupied area of the island should not be underestimated, but various problems exist. Referring to the demand of the Turkish Cypriots for the opening of the Mersin Gate to sell their products in Turkey, Denktas said: “When we tell them to open the gate, they say that it is open, but the situation is not like this”.

Denktas noted that the package of economic measures imposed by Turkey should be withdrawn and argued that the “government” does not have the ability to discuss this issue with the “opposition”. He added: “The solutions are known, but no step could be taken. We are a population of 250 thousands and there is a market of 75 million persons by our side. We are not able to use this market and afterwards we complain that embargo exists”.

Denktas criticized the self-styled prime minister Kucuk and argued that the current “government” is “not right for this job”. He noted that the expenses “continue in an unbelievable manner” and wondered from where the money for the fast breaking dinners during the month of Ramadan [iftar dinners] is paid.

Referring to the statements that tension exists between DP and ruling AK Party in Ankara, Denktas argued that Prime Minister Erdogan could not be informed about everything that happens in the occupied area of Cyprus. He said that their duty is to protect the interests of their own people and if there is a mistake on this point, it should be discussed. He said he will not even reply to the questions as to whether he considers Turkey as his “motherland”. He noted that he accepts Turkey as his “motherland” but he does not want his mother to put in order his house every day.

Referring to the issue of the white “identity card”, Denktas said the process is heading towards turning into a conflict among those who are “citizens” and those who are not “citizens” of the breakaway regime and accused the “government” of trying to divide the “people”.