Talat supports that 80% of the Turkish Cypriot would say “no” to the annexation with Turkey

Turkish daily Zaman newspaper (16.04.14) reported on statements by former Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat who has said that if the Turkish Cypriots were asked if they would like to be annexed by Turkey, the 80% of them would replied “no”.

Talat made the above statement the day before yesterday while delivering a speech at Istanbul’s Aydin University on the Cyprus problem entitled: “Peace determination beside extremism in Cyprus”.

Talat stated further that there are many reasons for the Turkish Cypriots to think in this way, like for example the way they live and the economy. Talat also said that in the hypothetical question: “If there was no Turkey, could there be a solution?”, again 80% would reply “no”.

On the Cyprus problem, Talat pointed out that the solution of the Cyprus problem is an honorable duty. He said that the Greek Cypriot politicians stressed the necessity not to look at the solution of the Cyprus problem only from the nationalism aspect and added: “The Greek Cypriots need the solution in the island in order to recover economically. They feel the need for solution in order for the natural gas of Cyprus and Israel to be evaluated. We also have to evaluate these conjunctures”.

Stating that a viable peace in Cyprus is important for the Turkish Cypriots, Turkey, the Greek Cypriots and Greece, Talat added: “Turkey’s role in the peace process is very important. If Turkey says that this is a right and an appropriate agreement, it seems that it could be accepted. Turkey should undertake a role here. Turkish Cypriots cannot get this job alone”.