Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 97-04-03

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No. 60/97 -- 3.4.97

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Cypriot "delegation" at the IPU meeting in Seoul.

[02] Denktash claims return of all refugees would ruin bizonal aspect.

[03] Denktash calls high-level meeting prior to talks with Annan.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Cypriot "delegation" at the IPU meeting in Seoul

[02] Denktash claims return of all refugees would ruin bizonal aspect

Replying to questions on the meeting, Denktash claimed that the property struggle aimed at securing the return of all Greek Cypriot refugees to their homes will destroy the bizonal aspect of a solution to be reached in Cyprus. He also claimed that this also contradicts the Ghali Set of Ideas. He added that the aim is to create a bizonal Cyprus based not on the past but on the current realities.

Pointing out that both sides can benefit from goodwill measures, Denktash said the following in reply to a question on what the measures could be: "For example, the Turkish Cypriot side might remove some of the border restrictions on entries into the TRNC". He criticized the fact that the Cyprus Government did not permit Turkish Cypriots living abroad, who, as he claimed, it officially or unofficially invited to an event in south Cyprus, to cross over to the south on grounds that they arrived on the island through occupied Tymbou airport which is an illegal entry. Denktash alleged that such Greek Cypriot obstacles should be removed.

Feissel said that a statement can be made on the indirect talks only after these talks are concluded. He stressed that the process has not yet been concluded. Feissel continued: "We expect to make progress and to achieve something. We will wait and see." He noted that it will be beneficial to take a clear and positive stop in the indirect talks, adding that if such a point is reached a statement will be issued. Noting that the date Han Sung-chu, UN Secretary General's special envoy to Cyprus, will arrive on the island has not yet been finalized, Feissel said that he has no information on press reports that he will be arriving accompanies by an expert.

[03] Denktash calls high-level meeting prior to talks with Annan

In his statement prior to the meeting, Denktash said he was convening this meeting to assess the outcome of his contacts on the Cyprus issue with the political party representatives and "officials" before his 9 April meeting with Annan. Stressing that the Turkish Cypriot side wants the negotiations on a Cyprus solution to be conducted in accordance with the UN Secretary General's goodwill mission, Denktash added that the growing number of coordinators on the Cyprus issue increases the load of the Turkish Cypriot side. Denktash added: "However, this is beneficial for me. In this way, the coordinators have a chance to learn more about the Cyprus issue."

"The grounds for setting up a new partnership if it will be set up, lie on the negotiation table", he claimed.

Eroglu, who issued a statement after the meeting, said that Denktash briefed them on the strategy he will adopt during his meeting with Annan. Recalling that the goal of the indirect meetings is to pave the way to direct meetings, Eroglu claimed:

"However, nothing has been crystallized along these lines. The Greek Cypriot side is pursuing its intransigent approach during the indirect meetings as well".

Serdar Denktash, in turn, said that the parties expressed their views prior to the Denktash-Annan meeting in Geneva and added that this meeting secured a rapprochement among the parties. Denktash continued by saying that a solution can be secured only if the talks are based on the realities in Cyprus and if Europe accepts them as well.

In his statement after the meeting, Talat said that the Cyprus issue is on the threshold of an important period.

Explaining that he expressed his party's views that the Cyprus issue should be resolved as soon as possible, Talat said: "Each passing day shows clearly that the interests of the Turkish Cypriots lie in securing a solution."

Akinci, in turn, said that, at this stage, it has become obvious that the indirect meetings will continue for a while longer and added: "Thus, the Denktash-Annan meeting gains more importance". Recalling that his party has always supported the gradual implementation of the confidence-building measures in addition to exploring the possibilities for a comprehensive solution, Akinci stressed that a solution can be secured only by holding an exchange of views at the negotiations table and not by taking up arms and launching a war.

EF/SK

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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