Denktas: We Are Losing Cyprus For All

When Turkish Cypriot President Rauf Denktas delivered a speech (of 1.5 hours) at the general assembly of Parliament, many cabinet minister, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and deputies of AKP and CHP were in the hall.

Ankara

True Path Party's leader Mehmet Agar, former Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, his former deputy and Nationalist Action Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli, listened to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus president Rauf Denktas.

Denktas said in his speech that "I am before your presence, to avoid the annihilation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus".

The Turkish Parliament did not issue a supportive message for Denktas, in spite of the demand of opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), because deputies of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) raised objection.

In his emotional speech, Denktas said "The outcome of this agreement is the annihilation of TRNC and God save us, the marginalization of Turkey, in time. Even thinking what would be further demanded from Turkey makes us shudder. Now Turkey, which had a single voice over Cyprus, is split into two. We failed to prevent the division triggered by Madam Fogg (Former EU Ambassador) and her team...They are trying to impose a plan which the people know nothing about...You deputies, would you play such a gamble if you were in our shoes? Cyprus is not a cause that is to be missed because of the mistake of this and that..."

Calling on for a No vote to emerge from the referendum, Denktas said "I hope that despite all efforts, and pressures coming from Turkey, my people exercise their own free will, realize the threat and act accordingly".(YE)