FOUR Turkish Cypriot members of ‘parliament’ have established an alliance that they believe could lead to the formation of a ‘government’ that does not include either of the two parties that opposed the implementation of the Annan plan in last month’s referendum.
The alliance is made up of the Communal Libration Party’s (TKP) Huseyin Angolemli, the United Cyprus Party’s (BKP) Izzet Izcan and two independents, Ahmet Kasif and Unal Ustel. All four backed a ‘yes’ vote to the Annan plan.
The four say they will seek a further alliance between themselves and Mustafa Akinci’s Peace and Democracy Movement (BHD) and Mehmet Ali Talat’s ruling Republican Turkish Party (CTP) in an attempt to secure the 26 seats in ‘parliament’ that would eradicate the need for a coalition that includes either Serdar Denktash’s Democratic Party (DP) or the party of former ‘prime minister’ and anti-solution campaigner Dervis Eroglu.
It would also eradicate the need for an early election.
The four say they would not be seeking ministerial posts if the BDH and CTP accept, and add that their only aim is to secure a “fair and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem”. They also added their support to efforts the efforts of ‘prime minister’ Mehmet Ali Talat to lift embargoes and sanctions in the north and implement interim measures that would ease the way to the eventual establishment of a truly united island.
Speaking at a news conference to announce the formation of the alliance, Angolemli said: “What we have proposed here is a Denktash-free model. We are not even considering other models because this is a basic requirement as far as we’re concerned.”
Angolemli said he believes formation of a purely pro-solution ‘government’ would reflect the will of the Turkish Cypriot people.
“In the December election, 52 per cent of the people voted for pro-solution parties. In the referendum the support for a solution rose to 65 per cent of the people. What the people want is a government that is for peace.”
He added that if this model were rejected, the most likely scenario would be an early election in the north.
Akinci added his support to the alliance yesterday, but raised doubts about whether Talat would be willing to join.
“So far, they haven’t accepted this approach because say it would create a very polarised structure.”
Akinci added that Talat had, so far, made no moves to work together with him for the formation of a new administration.
Asked whether Talat might be reticent to work with him due to his apparent unpopularity with the Turkish military-civilian elite, Akinci said: “You’ll have to ask him. I’ve suggested coming together around our vision, but he seems very happy with Serdar.”
As Talat left for a visit to Turkey yesterday, he told reporters he wished to see discussion on early elections and possible alliances put on hold until after June 16.
“We have a series of meetings abroad and these should not be negatively influenced by internal problems. Therefore, we are seeking a delay in debate on this.”
